[Member Highlight]: The International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM)

The International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), is an advanced Islamic learning and research institute based at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur. ISTAC has 10 main “niche areas”, which include:

Islamic thought; Malay-Islamic civilization; Comparative religion and intercultural dialogue; Islamic and gender equity; Epistemology, spirituality and intellectuality in Islamic civilization; Peace and security studies; Reform (Islah) and renewal (Tajdid) in Islamic history; Comparative civilizational studies; Islam and futures studies; Ottoman civilization and the modern world.

In 2019-2020, they developed “Capacity Building Modules,” focusing on PCVE governance in Malaysia, individual radicalization and rehabilitation, the history of extremism, international relations and terror financing, the weaponization of social media, and the psychology of VE and terrorism. Alongside the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) researchers from the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, members of the EARU conducted a research project titled “Building Research Capacity for Countering Violent Extremism in Malaysia.” This endeavor focused on developing Malaysian instruments for PCVE. This included creating a simulation for policymakers, public advocacy, and education and spatial and social network analyses of extremism.

To learn more about ISTAC-IIUM’s amazing work, check out their Facebook: @ISTACOfficial and their website: iium.edu.my/institute/istac