Political scientists Alfred Stepan and Juan Linz argue, in an article for Project Syndicate, that a democratic transition following the reportedly imminent resignation of Hosni Mubarak would be best served by the institution of a parliamentary system, rather than a new presidential election.
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Announcements, events, and opportunities related to topics of interest to TIF readers are posted here. Additionally you may find round-ups of news items and brief commentary on current events.
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A post-Islamist Middle East?
by John D. BoyWriting in what is quickly becoming one of the prime sources of English-language cultural and political commentary on recent events throughout the Middle East—Jadaliyya—Asef Bayat analyzes the relationship between Islamism and the revolution in Egypt. Bayat argues against the voices characterizing the revolution as Islamic in nature, finding their arguments as well as their historical comparisons with the Iranian revolution of 1979 ill-founded. There is little evidence of a strong Islamist influence on the uprising, nor can the Muslim Brotherhood be expected to emerge as dominant. Not only that, Bayat sees signs of "a deeper transformation."
February 10, 2011
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Teaching and blogging A Secular Age
by Charles GelmanJames K.A. Smith, Professor of Philosophy at Calvin College, is currently teaching an undergraduate seminar on Charles Taylor's A Secular Age, and he and his students will be blogging about the book as the semester progresses.
February 11, 2011
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Victory
by John D. BoyHosni Mubarak has stepped down after three decades of authoritarian rule in Egypt.
February 11, 2011
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Competitive theism at the Grammys
by John D. BoyIn anticipation of the Grammy Awards tonight, Neill Strauss asks, "Why do so many musical superstars think that their careers are part of a divine plan?"
February 13, 2011
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2011 UCSIA Summer School in Religion, Culture and Society
by Grace YukichThe UCSIA in Antwerp, Belgium, is calling for applications for its 2011 Summer School in Religion, Culture and Society. The one-week program will take place from August 28-September 4, 2011. The summer school brings together a group of thirty Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers from around the world for classes taught by established scholars. Faculty in past years have included Steve Bruce, Robert Hefner, and Tariq Modood. Participants also have the opportunity to present their own research. This year's topic is Religion and International Relations. Room, board, and tuition are covered for participants. While participants must pay for their own travel to Antwerp, a limited number of partial travel grants may be available. Applications are due by April 17, 2011.
February 15, 2011
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An historic expression of synergy and resistance
by John D. BoyIn The Nation, Saba Mahmood weighs in on the factors that facilitated the historic events recently witnessed in Egypt, and the tasks that lie ahead now that Mubarak has been removed from power.
February 16, 2011
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Egyptian revolution round-up
by Nathan SchneiderFor the eighteen days that tens of thousands of Egyptians were rallying to push strongman Hosni Mubarak ever closer to abdication, time itself seemed to pass differently than usual. Something has been happening, though nobody knows exactly where it will go.
February 21, 2011
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Debating European multiculturalism
by John D. BoyEarlier this week, Eurozine published three pieces by European intellectuals---Cécile Laborde, Claus Leggewie, and Kenan Malik---responding to the recent attacks on multiculturalism by Merkel and Cameron.
February 22, 2011
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Figuring American Spirituality
by Joseph BlankholmAfter attending a February 10th discussion with multimedia artist Laurie Anderson at Columbia University, Columbia Religion Professor Courtney Bender wrote a response that reflects on the roles of technology, spirituality, and religion in American society.
February 22, 2011