Conference explores Islam, human security, and xenophobia

24 November 2005

Monash University is co-hosting a two-day international conference in Melbourne focusing on Muslim responses to increasing political, social and security challenges.

The conference, "Islam, Human Security, and Xenophobia" starts tomorrow, Friday 25 November and ends on Saturday, 26 November.

The conference will explore the growing role of Islam in world politics and the impact this is having on the Muslim population as well as western countries with major Muslim populations.

It will also consider policies adopted by Australia and other countries towards Islam and Muslims, particularly in the context of regional and civil conflicts.

The conference will feature a range of prominent researchers from Australia and overseas, including keynote speaker Professor James Piscatori from the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and Wadham College at London 's Oxford University .

Professor Piscatori is regarded as the world's pre-eminent authority on Islam. He will present his keynote address on Friday morning (9.15 am - 10 am), and will be available for interview from 11.30 am. He can be contacted via Monash academic Dr Shahram Akbarzadeh.

Themes to be covered at the conference include:

• Political Islam and Democracy
• Islamic radicalism/reformism
• Islam, human security and political violence
• Global Islam and the politics of identity
• Muslim Non-Government Organisations and the discourse of human rights in Islam
• Representing Islam and Muslims in government policies and the media
• Xenophobia and Muslim diaspora in the west
• Trans-nationalism and identity formation among Muslim diaspora

The conference is being co-hosted by Monash University and Deakin University.

What: Islam, Human Security and Xenophobia conference

When: Friday, 25 November -- Saturday, 26 November

Where: ANZ Pavillion, Level 8, The Arts Centre, 100 St.Kilda Road, Melbourne

Details: Conference website