Migration, Citizenship and Religion in Times of Exception

Abstract

The panel will focus on the European politics of citizenship in the context of religion. More precisely, the papers will investigate the role of religion in political processes that shape the possible citizenship of migrants and asylum seekers from Middle East and Africa. “Citizenship” is understood in a broad sense: it is not only a judicial status but also a political-cultural category and process (see Brubaker 2005). Theoretical starting point for the panel is the concept of exception. This refers to the familiar Schmittian concept of "state of exception" but especially to the “exceptional times” that Europe is said to be going through. Papers will investigate both the public politics and personal experiences of exception. In what sense Europe and its old, new and possible citizens are living exceptional times? Do exceptional affairs and times produce exceptional citizens? And is there something exceptional in the current affairs in religious sense? Is exceptionalism somehow connected to the religious radicalization? The papers in the panel approach the topic from both empirical and conceptual perspectives. Aim is to create dialogue between political science, comparative religion and philosophy.