The aim of this event series is to discuss the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy with Muslim and Muslim-born intellectuals (scholars, practitioners and activists) who adopt different approaches to the faith but are united by a firm commitment toward liberal democratic values and individual rights. Hosting both lectures and debates, the cycle will address various methodological and substantive issues in a captivating and accessible format, with the aim of countering stereotypes and showing the diversity within Islam to the larger public.
Talk by Ahmet Kuru with the title:
Islam and Liberal Democracy in Global Perspective
Are Islam and liberal democracy compatible? This theoretical question has many practical implications for global politics because Islamic actors are influential in most of the word’s 50 Muslim-majority countries. Ahmet Kuru’s presentation will start with diverse definitions of both Islam and democracy. He provides a historical analysis of these two concepts’ formations. Then he will examine the political attitudes of Islamist and secularist in various Muslim-majority countries. He will particularly analyze the incompatibility between Islamists’ sharia-based state projects and liberal democracy. Kuru’s presentation will end with certain policy recommendations, especially on how to challenge blasphemy and apostasy laws while promoting freedom of speech in the Muslim world.
Where does the event happen?
WZB Berlin Social Science Center
Reichpietschufer 50
10785 Berlin
When does the event happen?
Begin:
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