Islam and Politics in the Mediterranean: Ideology, Activism and Change

About

This course examines the interaction between Islam and politics from different perspectives and disciplines, in different time periods and very far away geographies. It will focus on the diverse forms of expressing religiosity in the socio-political sphere and engage with the key debates around them. The role of Islam regarding the state in Muslim-majority countries and when Islam is a minority, political ideology, popular activism and political violence will be analysed in the framework of contemporary challenges. Therefore, major strands of Islamist and Islam-inspired movements will be addressed: from socio-religious associations to political parties, CSOs, opinion-makers, artists, influencers and social movements, a panoply of entities and dynamics that have a global reach. The course will provide insights on their approach to democracy, their theological grounding, their relation with violence and will focus particularly on the narratives they create around the past, the present and the future.

Course leader

Lurdes Vidal (Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals & Blanquerna - Universitat Ramon Llull)

Target group

The Barcelona Summer School of the Mediterranean and the Middle East is a joint initiative of IBEI, Blanquerna, DIPLOCAT and IEMED.

The 2023 edition of the School will consist of a number of interactive courses on the politics and international relations of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, taught by experts of international reputation. These will be complemented by various panel discussions, field trips and cultural events such as visits to the Union for the Mediterranean, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, FC Barcelona Museum and a movie afternoon, among others. This integrated structure will enable the programme to cater to the needs of both students and practitioners. The events will be free for all registered participants.

Course aim

This course examines the interaction between Islam and politics from different perspectives and disciplines, in different time periods and very far away geographies. It will focus on the diverse forms of expressing religiosity in the socio-political sphere and engage with the key debates around them. The role of Islam regarding the state in Muslim-majority countries and when Islam is a minority, political ideology, popular activism and political violence will be analysed in the framework of contemporary challenges. Therefore, major strands of Islamist and Islam-inspired movements will be addressed: from socio-religious associations to political parties, CSOs, opinion-makers, artists, influencers and social movements, a panoply of entities and dynamics that have a global reach. The course will provide insights on their approach to democracy, their theological grounding, their relation with violence and will focus particularly on the narratives they create around the past, the present and the future.

Fee info