Islam and Civil Society: Messages from Southeast Asia
February 27, 2001
Main Speaker
Discussants
Moderator
Executive Summary
Discourse on civil society is no longer a monopoly of the West. Civil society has shown that it is compatible with cultures around the world. Civic virtues and voluntary associations that form civil society's nucleus are to be found operating across all boundaries. Even the Islamic world, long viewed as an anathema to civil society, shows it is in fact rich in traditions of charitable associations pursuing common good. Islamic organizations, with public support at the grass roots level, are in part behind democratization currently underway in the world of Islam, particularly in Southeast Asia. Dr. Nakamura will discuss recent developments in the area of civil society in Southeast Asia. He will address whether Islamic civil society is capable of overcoming exclusive communalism and creating alliance with other elements of society.