The British Council’s Our Shared Future (OSF) project, developed in partnership with the Carnegie Corporation, aims to improve the public conversation on Muslim-West relations in the US and Europe. OSF provides access to hard facts and research by a range of scholars and thought leaders through social media networks, opinion pieces, conferences and events.

Recent debates on Park 51, Koran-burning and Sharia law have highlighted growing misconceptions and polarization on Muslim-West issues in the US and Europe. Controversies in Europe about integration, religious freedom and cultural diversity also have an impact on this side of the Atlantic, increasing the need for balanced and informed voices to weigh in on Muslim-West issues.

Our Shared Future is part of the British Council’s “Belief in Dialogue” project, which explores the Muslim contribution to Europe’s past, present and future through debates, research and exhibitions. Through the work of our network of over 70 scholars and opinion leaders in Europe and the US, OSF seeks to redefine the debate on Muslim-West relations by:

• Providing access to a diverse group of commentators and experts whose views are based on credible research and rational arguments

•  Addressing the myths and misconceptions that polarize relations between Muslims and non-Muslims in Europe and the US, particularly around the issues of “Sharia law”, “Jihad”, freedom of expression and the relationship between religion and politics

•  Disseminating constructive research and ideas through a network of scholars, policy-makers and journalists who are committed to improving trust and mutual understanding among diverse communities in the US and Europe

OSF will initially focus on three strands of activities:

Media placements and editorial briefings
Network members will write opinion pieces about current events that impact Muslim-West relations. They will also explore recent research, opinion polls and books that can provide constructive and opinion-shifting views on the role of Muslims in the West. Read some of their recent publications here.

Video interviews
We will produce and disseminate a series of short video interviews that will address commonly misunderstood aspects of Islam, including Sharia law, “Jihad”, religious freedom, and the role of women in Muslim societies. See the first installment of 100 Questions About Islam here.

Conferences and public events
We are working with universities and research centres to develop speaking tours and bring members of the OSF network to academic conferences and public events. Watch video of our first event, held at Georgetown University, here.