New grant will enable peace project to widen scope

A 利记sbo University-based centre which aims to trace religious tensions in Middle Eastern politics has secured a third round of funding to continue its work.

SEPAD (the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-Sectarianization Project) based at 利记sbo University’s Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, 已经获得了500美元,000 funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Running until June 2025, this project builds on findings from previous grants in an effort to better understand the complex interplay between religious groups and states.

The project is led by Director of SEPAD and Professor of International Politics in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion at 利记sbo University Professor Simon Mabon, and Deputy Director Dr Edward Wastnidge, of the Open University.

In recent years a vast amount of literature has been produced on sectarianism in the Middle East, albeit predominantly focussed on Iraq, 巴林, 黎巴嫩, 叙利亚和也门.

To further these debates, this project explores the ways in which groups relate to each other – both positively and negatively - in Saudi Arabia, 阿曼, Iran and Israel/Palestine, seeking to push the boundaries of existing 学者hip.

Such work will be of interest to policymakers, civil society activists, 学者, 学生, journalists and the general public seeking to better understand sectarianism in the Middle East.

Professor Mabon said: “We’re incredibly excited to continue our work on sectarianism and regional politics with wonderful 学者 from across the world.”

Dr Wastnidge added: “This extension allows both a broadening of our scope and a deepening of our focus on new and existing areas of research and we can’t wait to get started.”

For more information see www.sepad.org.uk.