Berkley Center

What roles do religious differences play in the ongoing Syrian Civil War? How can the history of colonialism and state-formation in Syria help to contextualize the conflict? What are some lessons learned about the relationship between religion and politics after 10 years of conflict in Syria?

How does the Hagia Sophia controversy map onto broader trends in Turkish domestic politics and foreign policy behavior, including soft power projection? What are the ethical and ecumenical challenges of converting the Hagia Sophia into a mosque?

Why is China re-intensifying the regulation of religious groups? How do Chinese policies on religion fit into larger state objectives? Should the U.S. government place greater pressure on China to advance religious freedom?