RSIS Seminar by Professor John Esposito, S. Rajaratnam Professor of Strategic Studies, RSIS; and University Professor of Religion and International Affairs and of Islamic Studies, Georgetown University

Seminar Abstract

A major Pew report declared: Religious conflicts (which, it noted, is not necessarily saying that religion is the primary driver) had reached a six-year peak and posed a serious threat to US national interests. The trend has continued to escalate globally. While religion is a powerful spiritual and communal force, it can also be a source of political legitimation and delegitimation, recruitment and mobilisation both by mainstream religious leaders, institutions and social movements and as well as militant extremists and terrorists (Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim).

Identity politics underlie sectarian and ethnic violence and extremism, and exacerbate what otherwise are ordinary political and socioeconomic issues. Distinguishing between liberation and terrorist movements and determining the primary drivers and catalysts are critical. A dominant concern of most nations and international organizations like the UN and EU has been a perspective and policy for combating violent extremism (CVE). If some focus primarily on religion, others argue that ignoring root causes that are primarily ethnic, political and economic grievances is a dead end.

Where do we go from here?

About the Speaker

John L. Esposito is University Professor, Professor of Religion and International Affairs and of Islamic Studies and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and of The Bridge Initiative: Protecting Pluralism – Ending Islamophobia at Georgetown University. He is currently visiting RSIS as S. Rajaratnam Professor of Strategic Studies. His more than 55 books include: What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam; Shariah, What Everyone Needs to Know; The Future of Islam; Who Speaks for Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think; Religion and Violence; Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam; The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?; Islam and Democracy after the Arab Spring; Islamophobia and the Challenge of Pluralism in the 21^st Century. Esposito’s writings are translated into more than 45 languages.

Past President of the American Academy of Religion and Middle East Studies Association of North America, Esposito has been a member of the World Economic Forum’s Council of 100 Leaders and the E. C. European Network of Experts on De-Radicalisation, a Senior Scientist for The Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, and ambassador for the UN Alliance of Civilizations. He has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of State and other agencies, European and Asian governments, corporations, universities, and media worldwide.