The identity of Europe and that of Europeans cannot be articulated without the presence of Jews and Muslims. However, despite their central role in the making of European identities they are often seen as the “other” and as existing at the margin or boundary of European identity. Today, of course, the "Muslim question" has become an unavoidable part of the ongoing European discourse. In this, the “Jewish question” of the 19th century is recalled. And now, like then, the discourses range from dangerous antimuslimism to fruitful and promising dialogues. Any evaluation of individual and collective responsibility toward the protection of human dignity cannot avoid this issue today.

In fact, the heated debate on the first principles of the so-called European Constitution—regarding the “Christian roots” of Western Europe—illustrate the limits of the liberal idea of inclusion (articulated solely as the entitlements of citizens given to the individual, regardless of one’s particular identity and place in the world). Even in “secular” and “liberal” Europe, the public role of religious identities and the group dimension of social life are self imposed and thus, must be brought back into the picture to understand how the societal and political dynamics of an emerging Western European society are molded by the Muslim question.

This year’s ISSRPL was therefore concentrated on the many facets of European “otherness” with special reference to the "Muslim Question". We concentrated on the “other" as a political and symbolic resource and not only as a problem for Western Europe. Can the relationship with the "other" help the European Union as a global political actor? Can the "other" help the Old Continent in developing into a real political institution? Is there any way to include Muslims and the Muslim intellectual tradition in Europe without denying it? These were some of the questions focused on during the summer school.

Our local host was International Forum Bosnia.

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