Identity and diversity in the age of populism and religious extremism

Liberal, secular European societies are having a hard time accepting the religious, cultural and ethnic diversity brought by globalization and immigration. Religiously-motivated terrorist attacks have led to fears of Muslim immigration in Europe and the United States. Donald Trump, Viktor Orban, Geert Wilders and Marine Le Pen capitalize on the idea that ethnic and/or religious diversity are dangerous. In the Middle East and Africa, some regimes and extremist groups seek to create mono-identities by turning on religious minorities.
Ignoring people’s real or imagined concerns has had adverse effects: disillusioned voters who feel that they are not being heard turn against the established government, which can lead to an erosion of democracy. This panel will contribute to an intelligent discussion about issues of diversity, identity, secularization and religion, so extremist and populist ideas do not take over the public discourse.

Moderation:

Marie Lamensch - Project Coordinator/Communications/ Researcher, Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, Concordia University, Canada 

Speakers:

Kyle Matthews - Executive Director, Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, Concordia University, Canada

André Gagné - Associate Professor, Theological Studies, Concordia University, Canada

Nalan Sipar - Journalist, Deutsche Welle, Germany

Laura Wagenknecht - Freelance Producer and Editor, East Africa