Governance as a field has been dominated by the Western paradigm - resulting in an implicit and formulaic understanding: Western= global= good= modern
For decades, this narrow approach has defined the core strategy and agenda of governance reform i.e. contextless transport of Western standards. One of the most problematic consequences of this approach is that in assuming ubiquitous and perpetual Western superiority, one is required to jettison any non-Western social values and cultural traditions.
Our project therefore aims to empirically ground the foundational thought and values of Islamic governance, which will ultimately provide a sacred perspective on public purpose and how to address the big challenges facing humanity. To do so, we intend to assemble a research team from University College London and partner universities and institutes in the Islamic world to explore a geographically diverse set of indigenous cooperative institutions (ICI) which craft, coordinate, and deliver public services for and with their constituents for a better life, based on their local Islamic tradition. Our findings will take the form of publications, a trade book, visual media, and conferences/workshops to maximize engagement & impact.
