Shrinking Space: How Disinformation Campaigns Affect Muslim Humanitarian Organizations
Tisdag 9 december 2025 14:30 - 15:30 CET M6
Föreläsare: Dr.Gerald FitzGeraldModerator: Mona Nechma
Paneldeltagare: Wassem Ahmad
The seminar focuses on the growing phenomenon of “shrinking space” for Muslim organisations – a serious threat to civil society diversity and fundamental democratic principles. The conversation is grounded in a report from George Mason University, which maps how Muslim humanitarian and development organisations in the West have been systematically targeted by disinformation campaigns.
The report shows how networks of think tanks, media platforms and political actors disseminate false and manipulative narratives portraying Muslim aid organisations as linked to extremism and terrorism. These influence campaigns have resulted in legal investigations, frozen bank accounts, media suspicion, and threats to staff safety.
Dr. Gerald FitzGerald will present the report, followed by a panel discussion on how disinformation and misinformation pose a fundamental threat to civil society organisations with a Muslim profile.
Arrangör
Islamic Relief Sverige
Ämne
Demokrati
Jämlikhet
Diskriminering
Minoriteter
Målgrupp
Civilsamhälle
Tjänstepersoner
Språk
English
Programform
Konferensprogram (60 min)
Nivå: Medel
Föreläsare
Dr.Gerald FitzGerald Föreläsare
Gerald FitzGerald is affiliated faculty at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. His commentary on issues related to cultural diplomacy, politics, and religion has been carried by Associated Press, Religion News Service, and The Conversation, among others. His research interests are found at the intersection of religion and hate crime, religion and international affairs, and religion and humanitarian relief and development aid.
Since 2022, FitzGerald has served as a consultant to the Religion & Society Program at The Aspen Institute where he convened the Dismantling Hate cohort in 2023. From 2017 to 2020, he worked as a senior project consultant to the British Council, where he convened transatlantic expertise to examine various aspects of the role of religion in international affairs under the Bridging Voices program.
FitzGerald has taught graduate-level courses including International Relations (GOVT 540) and Comparative Politics (GOVT 530), and undergraduate courses including International Politics (GOVT 132), International Relations Theory (GOVT 332), and Revolutions (GOVT 447).
He has a PhD in political science from George Mason and a BS in international business from New York University.
Mona Nechma Moderator