War studies examines religion's effects without claiming theological expertise

How can modern war studies avoid religion when religious movements affect conflict?

It cannot avoid religion's effects on conflict, but studying those effects does not require claiming expertise in theology or comparing religions.

Religion affects conflict, so war studies cannot ignore it. Studying those effects is different from having the expertise to compare religions or teach theology. War studies needs broad knowledge and enough depth to understand how an outside factor changes warfare. Fasting provides a practical example: hunger can affect diplomatic discussions, and some countries prefer to hold talks after sunset during that period. Understanding that practical consequence does not make the researcher a specialist in the religion itself.