LOUAY M. SAFI

7801 Lincoln Trail, Plainfield, Indiana46168

Tel. 317-839-1807. Fax 317-839-1841. Email:

EDUCATION

  • Ph. D., Political Science, WayneStateUniversity, 1992
  • M. A., Political Science, WayneStateUniversity, 1988
  • B. Sc., Civil Engineering, WayneStateUniversity, 1985

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Executive Director, LeadershipDevelopmentCenter, Plainfield, IN. 2003- Present.
  • Research Director, International Institute of Islamic Thought, Herndon, VA, 1999-2003.

GeorgeWashingtonUniversity

  • Visiting Professor, Department of Anthropology, George Washington University, 2001-02

International Islamic University, Malaysia (1992 – 1999)

  • Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, 1994 - 1999
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, 1992 - 94
  • Dean, ResearchCenter, 1998 - 1999
  • Deputy Dean, Research Centre, 1996 - 98
  • Deputy Dean (Academic), College of Islamic Knowledge and Human Sciences, 1995 - 98

WayneStateUniversity (1988 – 1992)

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant II, Department of Political Science, 1989 - 92
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant I, Department of Political Science, 1987 - 88
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
  • Middle Eastern Studies Associations (MESA)
  • American Political Science Association (APSA)
  • Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS)
ACADEMIC SERVICE
  • Founding Board Member, Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, Herndon, VA 1999 – present.
  • Fellow, Institute of Social Policy and Understanding, 2006-present.
  • President, Association of Muslim Social Scientist, 2001-2003.
  • Editor, American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences, 2000-2003.
  • Adviser, Center for Policy Research, Washington, D.C., 2001 – 2002.
  • Consultant, Middle East Affairs Journal, Alexandria,VA, 1992 – 2000.
  • Chair, 3rd Annual Conference, Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, Washington, DC, 2002.
  • Chair, 29th Annual Conference, Association of Muslim Social Scientists, University of Michigan, Dearborn, MI, 2001.
  • Chair, 30th Annual Conference, Association of Muslim Social Scientists, GeorgetownUniversity, 2000.
  • Chairman, Publication Committee, College of Islamic Studies and Social Sciences, International Islamic University, Malaysia, 1998 – 1999.
  • Chairman, Post-Graduate Committee, Department of Political Science, International Islamic University, Malaysia, 1997 - 99.
  • Chairman, Research Committee, Department of Political Science, International Islamic University, Malaysia, 1996 - 97
PUBLICATIONS

Books and Monographs

  • Thematic Reading of the Qur’an: Human Spirit’ Journey in Pursuit of Harmony, (forthcoming), 250 pages.
  • Blaming Islam: Examining the ReligionBuildingEnterprise (Washington, DC: Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, 2006), 36 pages.
  • Tensions and Transitions in the Muslim World (Lanham, Maryland: University Press of America, 2003), 243 pages.
  • The Challenge of Modernity: The Quest for Authenticity in the Arabic World (Lanham, Maryland: University Press of America, 1994), 232 pages.
  • Al-‘Aqidah wa al-Syiasah [Greed and Politics] (Herndon, Virginia: International Institute of Islamic Thought, 1996), 270 pages.
  • The Foundation of Knowledge: A Comparative Study in Islamic and Western Methods of Inquiry (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: International Islamic University Press 1996), 214 pages.
  • Truth and Reform: Exploring the Patterns and Dynamics of Historical Change (Kuala Lumpur: The Open Press, 1998), 160 pages.
  • Imal Al ‘Aqil [Effective Reason] (Damascus, Syria: Dar Al Fikr, 1999), 336 pages.
  • Peace and the Limits of War (Herndon, VA: International Institute of Islamic Thought, 2001), 65 pages.
  • Juzur Azmat al-Muthaqaf al-Arabi [Roots of the Arab Intellectual’s Crisis] coauthored with Ahmad Musilli (Damascus, Syria: Dar Al Fikr, 2002), 232 pages.

Papers and Book Chapters (Selection)

  • “Apostasy and Religious Freedom,” The Ecumenist, vol 43, no. 4 (Fall 2006), pp. 7-10.
  • “Overcoming the Secular Religious Divide,” in Muslim Contribution to World Civilization, International Institute for Islamic Thought, London, 2006.
  • “Pathways to Peace in Islamic Traditions,” in Religion, Violence and Peace: Continuing Conversations and Study Guide, edited by David L. Coppola, (Hartford,CT: Sacred Heart University, 2005)
  • “US Foreign Policy and National Security,” The Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, (Fall 2002).
  • “The Universal and Particular in Human Rights Discourse,” Letter to the President: The Islamic World and US Foreign Policy, Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University (September 2002).
  • “Islam, World Peace, and the Terrorism Discourse,” Middle East Affairs Journal, vol 7, no. 4 (Fall 2001), pp. 13-26.
  • “Human Rights and Islamic Legal Reform,” Human Rights Forum, (Spring 2001), Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 32-59.
  • “Imposing the Way of Peace,” Middle East Affairs Journal, vol 6, no. 4 (Fall 2000), pp. 241-48.
  • “Islam and Global Challenge: Dealing with the Distortion of the Image of Islam in Global Media”, Middle East Affairs Journal”, (Summer/Fall 1996), Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 67 - 78.
  • “From Reform to Revolution: A Critical Reading of the Political Discourse and Actions of the Islamic Movement in Egypt,” Intellectual Discourse 1995, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 23-49.
  • “Science and the Problematic of Metaphysical Knowledge,” Journal of Objective Studies (January 1995) Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 1-21.
  • “Developmental Trends in Contemporary Muslim Experience.” Islamic Studies (Spring 1994), Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 27-47.
  • “Nationalism and the MultinationalState”, American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (Fall 1992) Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 336-50.
  • “Islamic Law and Society”, American Journal Of Islamic Social Sciences (September 1990), Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 177-91.
  • “War and Peace in Islam”, American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (September 1988), Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 29-57.

Papersand Book Chapters (Arabic Selection)

  • Ta’amulat fi Mustaqbal al-Ta’adudiya al-Diniya wa al-Thaqafiya, Roua, Paris, No. 24, 2004.
  • “Al-Nazariyah al-Siyasiyyah Bayn al-Mi‘yariyyah wa al-Waqi‘iyyah”, Al-Tajdid (1998) no 4, pp. 79-106.
  • “Al-Wahi wa al-‘Aql : Bahth fi Ishkaliyat al-‘Aql wa al-Naql”, Islamiyat al-Ma‘rifah (January 1998), no. 11, pp. 49 - 79.
  • “Al-Aql wa al-Tajdid” Al-Mustaqbal al-Arabi (September 1997), No. 223, pp. 4 - 27.
  • “Fi al-Manhajiyyah al ‘Ilmiyyah wa al-Tandhir al-Siyasi”, al-Muslim al-Mucasir (January 1996), No. 78, pp. 29-57.
  • “Islamiyat al-Macrifah min al-Mabadi’ al-Ma‘rifiyah ila al-Tara‘iq al-Bahthiyah” Islamiyat al-Ma‘rifah (December 1995), No. 1, No. 3.
  • “Nahwa Manhajiyah Usuliyah lil-Darasat al-Ijtimaiyah,” Islamiyat al-Ma‘rifah, (July 1995) No. 1, pp. 31-55.
  • “Harakat al-Tajdid al-Hadari bayn al-Itijahain al-Islami wa al-‘Almani”, Minbar al-Hiwar (Fall 1994), pp. 87-109.
  • “Namudhaj al-Tahdith: al-Khususiyyah al-Tarikhiyyah wa Ishkaliyyat al-Ta‘mim”, Al-Mustaqbal al-Arabi (August 1994), No. 186, pp. 38-58.
  • “Harakat al-Islam fi Muwajahat al-markaziyyah al-Gharbiyyah al-`Alamiyya”, Qira’at Siyasiyyah (Summer 1994), vol 4, No. 3, pp. 119-134.
  • “Jadaliyyat al-Ikhtilaf al-‘Aqadi wa al-Wahdah, al-Siyasiyah”, Al-Insan (Ramadan 1414/February 1994), Vol. 3, No., 11, pp. 57-70.
  • “Al-Dawlah al-Islamiyyah bayn al-Itlaq al-Mabda’i wa al-Taqyid al-Namudhaji”, al-Mustaqbal al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon (November 1993), No. 178, pp. 83-106.
  • Al-Harakah al-Islamiyyah fi Mir’at Ahdath al-Khalij in al-Harakah al-Islamiyyah fi Zil al-Tahawulat al-Dawliyah wa Azmat al-Khalij, edited by Ahmad Yusuf (Chicago: United Association for Studies and Research, 1992) pp. 211-34.

CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS

  • “Religious Devotion and Political Loyalty,” Michigan State University, Islam and Muslim Citizenship in Non-Muslim Liberal Democracies, East Lansing, Michigan, April 20-21, 2007.
  • “Islam and Religious Diversity,” World Peace Forum 2006, Vancouver, Canada, June 26, 2006.
  • “Cultural Challenges to Democratic Reform in Syria,” Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, WashingtonDC, April 14, 2006
  • “Theories of Just War,” National War Academy, WashingtonDC, 2005.
  • “US Foreign Policy and National Security,” American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies, William and Mary, Washington DC, March 4, 2002.
  • “The Universal and Particular in Human Rights Discourse,” Letter to the President: The Islamic World and US Foreign Policy, Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding,GeorgetownUniversityWyeRiverPlantation, Maryland, April 14, 2002.
  • “Islam, Jihad, and Peace,” In Multiple Voices: Challenges and Opportunities for Islamic Peacebuilding After September 11, Joan B. Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame, April 12-13, 2002.
  • "Islam and the SecularState," Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, Annual Conference, Georgetown University, WashingtonDC, April 7, 2001.
  • “Postmodernism and the Future of Modern Civilization,” 29th AMSS Annual Conference, Georgetown University, WashingtonDC, October 14-16, 2000.
  • “Human Rights and Islamic Legal Reform,” American Political Science Association, Marriott Wardman, WashingtonDC, September 3, 2000.
  • “Is there a Future for Democracy in the Muslim World?” Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, Middle East Studies Association (MESA), WashingtonDC, 19 November 1999.
  • "Human Rights and Cultural Reform in Contemporary Muslim Society: From Hegemonic Discourse to Cross-Cultural Dialogue", the Twenty-Eighth Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists, Leesburg, Virginia, 29-31 October, 1999
  • “The Cultural Roots of Science”, International Conference on Values and Attitudes in Science and Technology (VAST 96), International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 6 September 1996.
  • “Patterns of Development: The Muslim Historical experience”, International Conference on Comprehensive Development of Muslim Countries from an Islamic Perspective. Jointly organized by Islamic Development Bank, International Institute of Islamic Thought, and International Islamic University Malaysia, August 1994.
  • “Islam in a Global Order: Priorities for Concerted Action”, organized jointly by the International Islamic University and UMMI Foundation, Malaysia, October 1993.
  • “Economic Dilemma: Between Prosperity and Justice”, the Ninety Sixth Annual Meeting of Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, March 1992.
  • “Nationalism in Mixed Areas”, the Twentieth Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientist, Detroit, Michigan, October 1991.
  • “Islamic Law and Society”, the Eighteenth Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists, Brockport, New York, October 1989.
  • “Modern Islamic Movement: The Case of Egypt”, the Seventeenth Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientist, Des MoinesIowa, October, 1988.
  • “War and Peace in Islam”, the Sixteenth Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientist, Plainfield, Indiana, October 1987.

(Arabic Selection)

  • “Fi al Khitab al Hadathi wa al Takamul al Ma‘rifi,” du Cangres de l’Association des Chercheurs Musulmans de France, Paris, France, May 2002.
  • “Al Ummah waddawla al Rissaliyyah”. Conference on Contemporary Islamic Political Thought and Civilization: Issues and Implications, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25-26 April 1998.
  • “Nahwa Manhajiyyah Usuliyyah lil Darasat al-Insaniyyah”, Mu’tamar ‘Ulum al-Jami‘at, jointly organized by Jordanian Universities, Jam‘iyat al-Buhuth wa al-Dirasat, and the International Institute of Islamic Thought, Amman, Jordan, August 1994.
  • “Al-harakah al-Islamiyyah wa Azmatul Khalij”, United Association for Studies and Research, Herndon, Virgina, July 1991.
  • “Al Itar al-Nazar Linizam al-Islam al-Siyasi”, International Institute of Islamic Thought, Herndon, Virginia, 1990.
INVITED LECTURE(Selection)
  • “Roots of Political Violence,” College Historical Society,” Dublin, Ireland, April 4, 2007.
  • “God and Country: The Moral Obligations of Citizenship,” Annual ISNA Convention, Rosemont, IL, September 2, 2006
  • “Towards an Islamic Tradition of Human Rights,” Religious Council of Singapore, Singapore, August 4, 2006
  • “Islam and Democracy,” Asian Foundation, Manila, Philippines, September 2003.
  • “Understanding Islam: Challenges to Democracy and Diversity,” 7th Annual Journalism Conference, RegentUniversity, Alexandria, VA, February 2002.
  • "Islam and Human Rights," Department of Political Science, University of Taxes, Arlington, Texas, June 25, 2001.
  • "Overcoming the Secular Religious Divide: Islam's Contribution to Civilization," Association of Muslim Social Scientists Regional Conference, Dallas, Texas, June 22, 2001.
  • "Poverty and Capital-Centered Global Policy: Towards a Human-Centered Developmental Model," Muslim Cultural Heritage Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, MA, April 14, 2001.
  • "Human Rights and the Imperative of Cultural Mediation," A Penal on International Human Rights Regime, organized by Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, February 18, 2001.
  • “Political Efficacy, Moral Autonomy, and Islam,” American Muslims: Toward Engagement and Empowerment, Westchester American Muslim Association,Bronxville, New York, October 1, 2000.
  • “American Muslims and Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities,” ISNA 37th Annual Convention, Chicago, September 1-3, 2000.
  • “Globalization: Trends and Possibilities,” Re-Imagining Politics and Society at the Millennium: Creating a Caring, Ethical, and Sustainable World, the Foundation for Ethics and Meaning, New York City, May 18-20, 2000.
  • “Religion and Politics in Malaysia” America, Islam, and the New Millennium Conference, jointly organized by the United Association for Studies and Research and the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University, Washington DC, 26-28 April 2000.
  • “An Integrated Model of Scientific Inquiry,” TokyoUniversity and Kyoto University, Japan, 28 and 29 June 1997.
  • “An Integrated Model of Scientific Inquiry”,Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia, 12 June 1997.
  • “The Abrahamic Legacy”, organized by The Islamic Trust Fund and The Islamic Schools of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia, April 27, 1997.
  • “The Role of Religion in the Post-Modern World,” panelist in the IIITM Monthly Forum with John Esposito, International Islamic University Malaysia, February 6 , 1997.
  • “Structure and Dynamics of Social Development”, International Islamic Forum for Science, Technology, and Human Resources Development (IIFTIHAR), Jakarta, Indonesia 5 - 8 December 1996.
  • “Modern Social Sciences: Is there a Crisis”, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand, 7 September 1996.
  • “Contemporary Middle East Politics”, Lecture Series, Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations”, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 5 June 1996.
  • “An Introduction to Usul al-Fiqh and Ijtihad in Islam”, Lecture Series on Islam, ABIM, Kuala Lumpur, 26 May 1996.
  • “Islam and Development,” MindanaoStateUniversity, Marawi City, Philippines, 15 December 1996.
  • “Islam and the Civilization,” Islamic Research Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan, 27 November 1995.
  • “Islam and Fanaticism,” Institute Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 13 September 1995.
  • “Islam and Civilization,” Department of Political Science, AligarhMuslimUniversity, Aligarh, India, March 1995.
  • “Islam and global Order”, Department of political Science, Jamia Milliah Islamiah, New Delhi, March 1995.
  • Guest of Honor, Workshop on Epistemology from and Islamic perspective, Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, January 1995.
  • “The Gulf Crisis and Middle East Regional Stability,” Detroit Northwest Business Association, Detroit, Michigan, 12 January 1991.

COURSES TAUGHT

LeadershipDevelopmentCenter (2003-present)

  • PeaceBuilding and Conflict Resolution
  • Leadership and Political Culture

GeorgeWashingtonUniversity, Department of Anthropology (2001-2002)

  • Cultures of the Middle East

International Islamic University, Department of Political Science, Malaysia

(1992-99)

Introduction to Political Science

  • Methodologies of Political Science

History of Political Thought I

History of Political Thought II

  • Comparative Politics
  • International Political Economy

International Politics and the Muslim World

  • Ethnic Politics in Malaysia
  • Islamic Political Thought and Institutions
  • Post-Soviet Politics
  • Contemporary Islamic Political Thought
  • Contemporary Islamic Political Thought (Arabic)
  • Theories of Political Development
  • Research Methodology
  • Issues in Contemporary Islamic Movement
  • Issues in Western Political Thought
WayneStateUniversity, Department of Political Science (1988-92)
  • American Government
  • American Governmental System
  • Ethics and Public Policy
  • Political Ideologies
  • World Politics

TELEVISION AND RADIO INTERVIEWS

  • Fox and Friends First, Pope’s Statement on Islam, interview by Kiran Chetry and Tiki Barber, September 18, 2006.
  • Al-Hura TV, Syrian National Salvation Front Declaration, June 23, 2006
  • News Interview, David Asman, Fox News, August 2, 2005.
  • Documentary on Jerusalem, Day of Discovery, PAX TV, December 2005.
  • News Interview, Wolf Blitzer, CNN News, WashingtonDC, October 29, 2003.
  • "Should the War in Afghanistan Continue During Ramadan?," A & Q, CNN, Washington, DC, November 9, 2001.
  • "War in Afghanistan," A & Q, CNN, Washington, DC, November 5, 2001.
  • "American Muslim Response to September 1," Interview, Middle East TV (MBC), October 31, 2001.
  • "Anti-Terrorism Legislation," IBN Radio, Washington, DC, October 24, 2001.
  • "Just War," Hello America, Voice of America, October 23, 2001.
  • "Attacks on America," Hello America, Voice of America, September 11, 2001.
  • "Arab Renaissance: Challenges and Achievements," [Al Nahdah Al Arabiyyah: Injazat wa Tahadiyat] Channel 2, Syrian TV, Damascus, Syria, August 27, 2001
  • "Dialogue Among Civilizations," Iqra, Rabat, Morocco, August 14, 2001.
  • “World Economic Forum” IBN Radio, WashingtonDC, January 30, 2001.
  • “The Effects of Globalization of the Muslim World” Live Dialogue, Islam Online,WashingtonDC, January 24, 2001.
  • “Globalization and Its Impact on Muslim Countries,” with Imad Ahmad, IBN Radio, WashingtonDC, January 18, 2001.
  • “Democracy and Islam,” with Radwan Masmoudi, Hello America, voice of America, WashingtonDC, December 26, 2000.
  • “Fuel Crisis,” with Thomas Staulffer, Global Exchange, Voice of America Network, WashingtonDC, September 21, 2000.
  • “OPEC and Oil Price Fluctuations,” ANN TV, Washington, DC. September 19, 2000. “The Future of Syria Under Bashar Al Assad,” Live Dialogue, Islam Online, WashingtonDC, June 16, 2000.
  • “Globalization and Economic Injustice.” Radio Islam, Chicago, April 2000.
  • “Terrorism” ANA TV, Washington, DC, February 2000.
  • “Globalization and Developmental Prospects of Arab Countries”, Radio WZNK, Detroit, Michigan, 22 March 2000.
  • “Terrorism”, ANATV, Washington, DC, February 2000.
  • “Globalization, WTO, and the Center for Balanced Development, Radio WZNK, Detroit, Michigan, 1 December 1999.
  • “Islam and the West”, Global, Radio and Television Malaysia (TV2), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 28 April 1996.
  • “Asian Democracy”, Global, Radio and Television Malaysia (TV2), Kuala Lumpur, 4 February 1996.
  • “The Concept of Wealth in Islam”, Pedoman, Radio and Television Malaysia (TV2), Kuala Lumpur 23 March 1995.

Curriculum Vitae

Last update 9/15/2007

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