Depok, March 17, 2025 — The Faculty of Islamic Studies at UIII hosted an insightful lecture featuring Stéphane Lacroix, Associate Professor of Political Science at Sciences Po, France, and Visiting Professor at UIII. His talk, titled “Contemporary Social Science Debates and Issues in Islamic Studies,” delved into three key debates shaping the field of Islamic studies through a social science perspective.
Opening the session, Prof. Lacroix expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with scholars and students in Indonesia. “It is my great pleasure to be speaking to you today, after these few months I have had the chance to spend in Indonesia. It has been an incredibly enriching experience, expanding my research perspectives,” he shared.
Debate 1: Text vs. Context in Contemporary Islamic Practices
The first key debate Prof. Lacroix discussed centers on the influence of religious texts versus socio-political contexts in shaping modern Islamic practices. He highlighted two opposing perspectives:
On one side, some scholars argue that Islamic social and political manifestations are primarily rooted in textual sources. “The implication here is that social sciences have little to no role in understanding the Muslim world. The study of religious texts, ideological doctrines, or grand civilizational trends alone is sufficient to explain behavior,” he explained, citing figures like Bernard Lewis and Samuel Huntington.
Conversely, many social scientists emphasize the dominance of political, economic, and social factors in shaping Islamic movements. However, Prof. Lacroix warned that this approach can sometimes overlook the role of religion itself. “What is needed is a balanced approach—one that acknowledges both religiosity and the insights of social sciences in analyzing contemporary Islamic movements,” he concluded.
Debate 2: Local vs. Global Influences on Islamic Movements
The second key debate explores the interaction between local Islamic practices and transnational influences. As globalization enhances connectivity, scholars continue to debate whether Islamic movements should be analyzed primarily within their local contexts or as part of a broader global phenomenon.
“After a period in which the globalization of religion and religious movements was a dominant focus, we are now seeing a renewed emphasis on local dimensions that had been somewhat overlooked,” Prof. Lacroix observed.
He stressed that this debate requires a balanced approach, as Islamic movements are shaped by both local realities and global trends. He also cited examples of Islamic ideologies and discourses influencing communities across borders, illustrating the complex interplay between local and transnational dynamics.
Debate 3: Colonial Legacies and Post-Colonial Perspectives
The third major debate explores the impact of colonial history on modern Islamic thought and governance. Prof. Lacroix noted that post-colonial studies, particularly those influenced by Edward Saïd’s Orientalism, have encouraged scholars to critically examine historical biases embedded in their research methods, areas of study, and underlying assumptions about Islam and the Muslim world.
“Not every scholar practices this self-reflexivity as rigorously as Saïd advocated, but his influence has made it unavoidable for all social scientists. In that sense, this is no longer a debate. After Edward Saïd, no scholar of Islam today wants to be labeled an Orientalist. And yet, much remains to be deconstructed,” Prof. Lacroix remarked.Concluding his talk, Prof. Lacroix emphasized that these three debates were presented as practical guidance for students, particularly those currently conducting or preparing to conduct research. The event, held at the Theater Room in Faculty A Building, attracted a diverse audience of UIII faculty members, students, and researchers, leading to lively discussions on the future of Islamic studies within the social sciences.