Robert Hefner Delivers Keynote on Public Ethics in Democratic Indonesia at Islamic University
On May 3, 2024, Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Director of the School’s Center for the Study of Asia delivered an invited keynote presentation titled “Mencari Etika Publik Inklusif di Alam Demokrasi” (“In Search of an Inclusive Public Ethics in Democratic Indonesia”) via zoom…
Hefner Explores Nahdlatul Ulama’s Rights Revolution
On December 14, 2023, Professor Robert Hefner, renowned for his work in Anthropology and International Relations, addressed an international conference in Princeton. Presenting on Nahdlatul Ulama’s human rights reformation, Hefner emphasized the global significance of their efforts. His keynote marked the conference’s culmination, fostering dialogue on upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Hefner Comments on Islam in Indonesia
On September 4, 2023, Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Director of the School’s Center for the Study of Asia, was interviewed by Dr. Muqtedar Khan on his show, Khanversations with Prof. Muqtedar Khan, on the nature of Islam in Indonesian government and society. In the…
Hefner Authors New Journal Articles
In June, 2023, Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Director of the School’s Center for the Study of Asia, authored two new academic articles. Hefner first published a chapter in the Cambridge Handbook of the Anthropology of Ethics and Morality, entitled “Capitalism and Ethical Plurality.”…
Hefner Keynotes International Conference
On August 3, 2023, Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Director of the School’s Center for the Study of Asia, was invited to give a keynote presentation by the Executive Director of Nahdlatul Ulama, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf. Nahdlatul Ulama is the world’s largest Muslim…
Robert Hefner Concludes Film in Indonesia
Professor Robert Hefner traveled to Yogyakarta, in Java, Indonesia, from May 10 to May 21. Professor Hefner was putting the final touches on his three-year documentary film project, “Indonesian Pluralities: Social Resources for Citizen Belonging in Contemporary Indonesia.” The project was funded by the Henry Luce Foundation in New York and co-produced with Zainal Abidin…
Hefner Attends International Conference on Islamic Law and Inclusive Citizenship
Professor Hefner argued that Indonesia, and NU specifically, has the potential to make enormous contributions to the global community; “it’s time for NU to rise to the international stage, speak out, and make such a positive contribution to solving political problems as well as intellectual and moral challenges faced by all humanity.”
Hefner Explores the Future of Religious Freedom in Indonesia
Despite Indonesia’s history of authoritarian rule as well as severe political and economic crisis, Hefner finds hope in the country’s continued commitment to a multi-religious and multi-ethnic Indonesia.
Hefner Attends G20’s International Summit of Religious Leaders
Professor Hefner was one of 220 religious leaders and policy analysts from all faith traditions and more than sixty countries in attendance to discuss how to reveal nurturing religion as a source of global solutions.
Hefner Featured in Celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day
Professor Hefner was among three featured Western Indonesianists who share the diverse ways in which they came to appreciate Indonesia and Muslim society in Indonesia in particular.
Hefner Explores Impact of Television on Indonesian Islamic Resurgence
Professor Hefner notes that a far-reaching Islamic resurgence has occurred over the past 24 years, coincident with Indonesia’s return to electoral democracy, and an often overlooked feature of that resurgence has been the role of television media.
Hefner Interviewed on Great Power Strategies in Southeast Asia
In his remarks, Professor Hefner comments on the U.S. “shift to Asia” and if that will help combat Chinese influence in the region as well as Russia’s dealings in the region and how its invasion of Ukraine strained relations.
Hefner Offers Insights Into Successes of Indonesian Democracy
“The challenges that Indonesian democracy faces have more to do with structural vulnerabilities that are plaguing or afflicting democracy around the world than they do anything specific to ‘Islam’ or Muslim society in Indonesia.”
Hefner Keynotes IIIU First International Conference on Islamic Education
Among the world’s Muslim majority countries, Indonesia has been the most successful in transitioning to a functioning and fair electoral democracy as well as upholding a tradition of multiethnic and multireligious citizenship; this is something the whole world can learn from.
Hefner and Storella Appointed New Directors of Asia and Africa Centers
Professors Robert Hefner and Mark Storella both bring important leadership experience and a passion for the regions they work in; in these roles, they will continue the tradition of Asia and Africa-focused scholarship and Boston University and further enhance the great reputations that both of these Centers enjoy.
Hefner Joins Panel Examining Global Transformation of Religions
More than a celebration of Jose Casanova’s “Public Religions in the Modern World” and its argument, this conference was an invitation to examine the global transformations of religions in the public sphere in the last twenty-five years.
Hefner Delivers Gordon College’s Annual Franz Lecture
Professor Hefner argues that some measure of “operating consensus” on both citizenship and civic education is vital for an open and effective democracy; however, there are two key barriers that make this more difficult.
Hefner Discusses Conservative Islam in Indonesia at AAS Conference
Professor Hefner’s remarks echoed the findings of his recent paper, which analyzes the causes and consequences of the “conservative turn” in Indonesian Muslim politics in democratic Indonesia.
Pardee School Faculty Comment on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
As the crisis in Ukraine continues to unfold, the Pardee School asked its faculty of leading international affairs scholars and practitioners to share their thoughts on how they believe the leaders of the world – particularly Russia and the U.S. – should act.
Hefner Publishes Book Chapter on Character Education in Modern Societies
Professor Hefner outlines how efforts to build a sustainable consensus on both character education and citizenship have been made more difficult by two contemporary trends.