Conflicts

Conflict is a key issue in contemporary scientific, political and media discourses on the role of religion in plural societies. The interconnections between conflicts and religion are multifaceted and complex. They range from systematic large-scale violence to tensions within urban spaces, institutions, communities and families, from explicit hate speech in on- and offline contexts to more subtle forms of linguistic discrimination. Our research investigates religion both as a motivating and as a mitigating factor in these diverse contexts.

While being primarily interested in scholarly work, we also study public policies and bottom-up initiatives, such as anti-discrimination measures, the protection and promotion of fundamental rights – in particular freedom of religion or belief – and anti-radicalization actions. In this regard, we involve NGOs, national and international public agencies and religious players to explore the potential of inter-religious dialogue, international cooperation and alternative approaches to conflict resolution