Events

Challenges of the ‘War on Terror’: Islamophobia, civil liberties and academic freedom

Institute for Policy Research public event:

Monday 8th June 7pm
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN

The attacks of 9/11 still cast a long shadow over foreign and domestic policy agendas in the UK and many other countries. The impact of the post-2001 military interventions has been more complex and widespread than most anticipated. Instability and conflict in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa have been part of the legacy, with the tragedies of Afghanistan, Gaza, Iraq and Syria of particular note.

The ‘Global War on Terror’ has also led to sweeping changes to security policies and practices, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and torture, whilst impacting on everyday life and civil liberties.

The various ramifications of the ‘Global War on Terror’ have challenged the status of a variety of ethnic minorities, especially for Muslims experiencing the sharp rise in Islamophobia. Right wing populism in the context of widespread controversy over migration has changed the political landscape with the rise of UKIP in the UK, and the radical right and anti Muslim parties across Europe. On the streets, the English Defence League has been but a local element of an international ‘counterjihad’ movement.  Meanwhile, the Israel-Palestine question has come to renewed prominence as campaigns for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions and Israeli attacks on the Occupied Territories interact.

Our event brings together academics and activists to discuss how we can understand and respond to the continuing challenges posed by the ‘War on Terror’.

Speakers:

  • Max Blumenthal: Award winning journalist. Author of Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel.
  • Deepa Kumar:Associate Professor of Media Studies, Rutgers University. Author of Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire.
  • Lindsey German: Convenor Stop the War Coalition. Author of How a Century of War Changed the Lives of Women. 
  • David Price: Professor of  Anthropology and Sociology, St Martens University. Author of Weaponizing Anthropology.

Supported by Frome Stop the War Coalition

The event is part of the Understanding Conflict conference at the University of Bath, full details available at http://www.bath.ac.uk/ipr/events/news-0126.html

The event is free but places are limited. Please book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/challenges-of-the-war-on-terror-islamophobia-civil-liberties-and-academic-freedom-tickets-16954199467