Over the last few decades a number of experiences have shown that modern politics has by no means become entirely secular. Among the most noteworthy developments were the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the active role of the Vatican in world politics, the renewed political influence of orthodox clergy in Russia and elsewhere, multiple forms of religious terror and violence, the proclamation of a caliphate in the Middle East, the growing power of Buddhist and Hindu political movements in East and Southeast Asia, and the politicization of evangelical Christianity in Africa and the Americas.