Intercommunal Dialogue

OVERVIEW

Over 120 people -- comprising researchers, diplomats, policymakers, students, and professionals -- attended this lecture, which was delivered by renowned Islamic scholar Olivier Roy.

Roy began with the premise that the link between the Middle East and the radicalisation of young Muslims is exaggerated, and went on to consider the various factors that contribute to the process of radicalisation in Europe. A major argument he put forward was that the radicalisation of Islam in Europe is due to a process of "deculturalisation" of the traditional backgrounds of young immigrant Muslims, which fosters a "fantasised" Islam, rather than a deepening of traditional Islamic culture and dogma.

In closing, Roy reflected on some of his experiences in Southeast Asia. This was further elaborated on by discussant Haji Maarof, who provided informative insights to the Southeast Asian situation. This was followed by a spirited question-and-answer session with the audience.

After the lecture, audience members had the opportunity to obtain signed copies of Olivier Roy's recently published book, titled “Globalised Islam: The Search For A New Ummah.”

SPEAKER

Dr. Olivier Roy

CHAIRMAN

Mr. Bertrand Fort, Director (Intellectual Exchange), ASEF

DISCUSSANT

Mr. Haji Maarof bin Haji Salleh, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore

SPONSORED AND SUPPORTED BY

The French Embassy