Monday, May 6, 2013, 7 – 9pm, Irvine Auditorium, McCone Lobby Upstairs
Please join us at our guest speaker event where Dr. Mohammed M. Hafez will explain Islam’s stance on terrorism and violence by religious extremists. A cursory review of major news headlines would suggest that religiosity, especially by Muslims, is a major driver of extremism and terrorism. Many of the plots that have taken place inside the United States are committed by avowed Muslims who embraced their faith anew. How true is this connection between religiosity and extremism? Does religiosity create an environment conducive to radicalism and violence? Is Islam more conducive to political fanaticism than other world views? How should we explain the tragic killing of innocent people by Muslim extremists? This informative and interesting talk will be followed by a group discussion and Q&A session. Please come with your questions and friends!
Biography: Mohammed M. Hafez earned his Ph.D. from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2000. He is now an Associate Professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is also the Associate Chair of Instruction and the Chair of the Doctoral Committee. Previously, he served as a counterterrorism consultant to the U.S. government and Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. A specialist in Islamic movements and political violence, his books include Why Muslims Rebel: Repression and Resistance in the Islamic World (2003); Manufacturing Human Bombs: The Making of Palestinian Suicide Bombers (2006); and Suicide Bombers in Iraq: The Strategy and Ideology of Martyrdom (2007). Dr. Hafez is also the author of numerous book chapters and journal articles on Islamic movements, political radicalization, and jihadist ideologies. He regularly briefs government and military analysts on issues related to terrorism, war of ideas, and countering radicalization. Dr. Hafez has made several appearances on NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, NPR, C-SPAN, and other national and international media outlets.
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