Peacebuilding Through Interfaith Dialogue: Lessons from Jain-Muslim Conversations

Prof. Dr. Iqbal Akhtar is an American academic and public intellectual known for his work in religious studies, international relations, and philanthropy. He is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Politics & International Relations at Florida International University (FIU). Akhtar has also served as a Program Director for the Templeton Religion Trust and has been actively involved in various non-profit and governmental roles. Akhtar holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Edinburgh, an M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Denver, an M.A. in Political Science and International Relations from Tulane University, and an A.B. in Political Science and Jewish, Islamic, & Near Eastern Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Akhtar is the founder of Miami Interfaith, an organization launched after October 7, 2023, to foster Muslim Jewish dialogue and interfaith cooperation in South Florida. He is also the Executive Director of The East-West…