Multiculturalism, Islamophobia, and the Governance of Diversity in the Western World

The Global Development Review Podcast is pleased to feature Professor Tariq Modood, a distinguished scholar whose work has been instrumental in shaping contemporary debates on multiculturalism, race, and the governance of diversity.About our GuestProfessor Modood is a Professor of Sociology, Politics, and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, where he founded the Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship. His research has profoundly influenced discussions on racial equality, religious identity, and the challenges democratic societies face in managing cultural diversity while maintaining social cohesion.His extensive body of work includes several influential publications, among them:Multicultural Politics: Racism, Ethnicity and Muslims in BritainMulticulturalism: A Civic IdeaThe New Governance of Religious Diversity (2024, co-authored with Thomas Sealy), which offers fresh insights into contemporary approaches to religious pluralism.Professor Modood was also the principal researcher for the landmark Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities in Britain, a study that continues to inform both policy and academic discourse on race and integration. In recognition of his contributions to social science, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2001 and elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2017.Key Themes of DiscussionThis episode engages with some of the most pressing questions concerning diversity governance in Western societies:Conceptualizing Islamophobia – What are its different manifestations, and how do Muslims in the West navigate its challenges in their daily lives?The trajectory of Islamophobia – Is it increasing or declining in Western societies, and how do political shifts, international conflicts, and patterns of cultural integration influence this trend?Moderate secularism as a framework for inclusion – Can this approach offer a viable pathway to reducing religious discrimination and fostering pluralism in liberal democracies?The future of multiculturalism – In an era of rising nationalism and populism, does the multicultural governance model remain viable? How can democratic societies continue to safeguard minority rights, particularly those of Muslim communities?Policy imperatives for diversity governance – What structural and institutional changes are necessary to balance multicultural inclusion with the principles of liberal democracy? Should governments adopt a more proactive role in addressing religious discrimination?The long-term prospects for governance of diversity – How will ongoing global conflicts, migration trends, and nationalist movements shape the future of inclusive multiculturalism in Western democracies?This discussion is particularly relevant to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in issues of race, religion, governance, and democratic pluralism. We hope that you learn from the insights shared by Prof. Tariq and enjoy this discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.