2nd Obergurgl Governance Symposium Governance
Governance and Religion
The aim of the Obergurgl Governance Symposia (the name refers to the location of the conference centre of Innsbruck University in the scenic Alpine resort of Obergurgl) is to advance contemporary debates about governance both theoretically and practically. Theoretical debates stood in the centre of the first conference, which took place in October 2007 and was dedicated to the topic "Governance: Multi-level or post-democratic". This year's symposium tackled a practical field of governance, which has only recently moved into the horizon of social and political science debates: the relationship between politics and religion.
Governance The theme of governance is a central concern in contemporary political and social sciences. It refers to the study of political processes and actors in political systems that are characterized by multi-level national and international political structures rather than a centralized model of government. Not one centralized political entity is in the focus of the analysis, but various actors on local, regional, national and international level.
Religion The return of religion into the politics and public sphere of European societies is a fact that scholars of social and political sciences, of theology and religious studies have been studying intensively over the last decade. The Second Obergurgl Governance Symposium sought to bring these two debates together and examined the role and place of religion and religious groups in governance structures.
Kristina Stockl
Keynote lecture: From Social Problem to Legal Issue: the Governance of Islam in European Contexts
Prof. Valerie Amiraux (University of Montreal/Robert Schuman Centre Florence) am 20.11.2008
What ist Legitimacy? A Theological and Political Report
Dr. Michael Kirwan (University of London/Heythrop College) am 20.11.2008
The Changing Role of Religion in Post-Olympics China
Prof. Alan Hunter (University of Coventry/Centre for Peace and Reconciliation) am 20.11.2008
Religious Violence from Rationality through Revelation to Regression
Prof. Arpad Szakolczai (University of Cork) am 21.11.2008
Religion, Reciprocity and the New Wars
Dr. Harald Wydra (University of Cambridge/St. Catharine's College) am 21.11.2008
Left and Right as Mimetic Opposites: Governance and Religion in a Global War
Dr. Robert Farneti (University of Bolzano) am 21.11.2008
Religious Organizations as Political Actors in the Context of Migration: From Institutional Partners to Representatives of Migrants
Dr. Kristina Stöckl (University of Innsbruck) am 21.11.2008
Incorporating Muslim Communities in Britain: Bradford a Case-Study.
Prof. Philip Lewis (University of Bradford) am 21.11.2008
Muslims of the Second Generation between Integration and Segregation: Chances and Challenges of Living Together in Europe
Mag. Alexander Osman (Muslimische Jugend Osterreich) am 21.11.2008
Freedom of Religion and Public Opinion: the Discussions about the Minaret in Telfs
Prof. Reinhold Gärtner (University of Innsbruck) am 21.11.2008
Integration Policies in Tyrol
Mag. Johann Gstir (Department for Integration, Land Tirol) am 21.11.2008
Short presentation: Religious conversion as a State Function: National Integration in Israel
Prof. Emanuel Gutmann (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
Influence of Religious Groups on the International Agenda Setting in the fight against Trafficking of Women and Children 1860s - 1930s.
Prof. Jürgen Nautz (University of Vienna) am 22.11.2008