The first thematic area is focused on socio-political and historical perspectives toward religious pluralism considered as a normative principle and a dynamic characteristic of modern andtraditional cultures and societies. It intersects concepts of freedom, justice, inclusion, and equality with a historically oriented approach, assessing, questioning and ascertaining the way in which “religions” relate to established boundaries, authority and identities of social and cultural life. This research area will suggest analysis of the issues of religion, memory and nation-state; rituals, heritage, material culture and national identity; conditions of diversification of religious/non-religious life; models of interfaith, intra-religious and secular dialogue; collective identity and citizenship in Ancient and modern societies; religious/secular commitment and civic engagement; migration processes and the spread of transnational religion; religion/spirituality nexus and public engagement; intersections of religion and gender; dominant religion and equality; and discourses of tolerance and religious freedom.