Nations under God: How Church–State Relations Shape Christian Responses to Right-Wing Populism in Germany and the United States

Right-wing populists across many western countries have markedly intensified their references to Christianity in recent years. However, Christian communities’ reactions such developments often vary significantly, ranging from disproportionate support some outspoken opposition others. This paper explores the role of structural factors, and particular Church–State relations, accounting for these differences. Specifically, this article how relations Germany United States produced different incentives opportunity structures faith leaders when facing right-wing populism. Based on quantitative studies, survey data, 31 in-depth elite interviews, research suggests that whereas Germany’s system “benevolent neutrality” encourages highly centralised churches whose perceive themselves as integral part defenders current system, are therefore both willing able create social taboos against populism, America’s “Wall separation” favours a de-centralised religious marketplace, which church more prone agree with populists’ anti-elitist rhetoric, face higher costs barriers publicly condemning Taking factors into greater account analysing responses populism is central understanding future dynamics between politics religion democracies.