Background

The end of Communism marked a changing role of religion in the countries of Eastern Europe. In contrast to their atheist nature during Communism, these states have largely embraced a stronger focus on religious affiliation, though mainly in the framework of pronouncedly secular political systems. Recently, the role of religion in the region has become even more significant, be it through its instrumentalization to achieve EU-accession goals or as an ideological tool to consolidate political power internally. In the complex reality of rising nationalism bordering on xenophobia and parallel processes of religious radicalisation, governing religion and religious diversity has become an important task on the political agenda. Policy and public debates on counter-terrorism measures and security-led responses to the (perceived) threat of violent radicalisation risk amplifying diversity challenges, including ethno-religious ones.

Such dynamics raise important questions: 

• What is the relationship between religion and processes of radicalisation and violent extremism?
• How can policies aimed at countering violent extremism avoid exacerbating problems related to diversity management? 
• Could the extant models of state-religion relations in these countries be reconfigured so as to more equitably administer religious diversity?

Objective 

This workshop will welcome leading Eastern European scholars who will attempt to tackle these and other fascinating questions related to the governance of religion and religious diversity and challenges linked to violent religious radicalisation in the region.

The event will bring together experts working in these areas and provide a forum for a discussion about the topics at hand.