The so-called "refugee crisis" has made clear that Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments are rather common and even lead to political demands that are incompatible with the democratic requirement of religious freedom and EU anti-discrimination rules. With the increasing migration of Muslims against the background of globalization and conflicts in the Middle East, the increasing religious plurality and at the same time the threat perceived by parts of the Christian or non-religious majority population, the peaceful coexistence of people of different cultures and religions is in danger.

This conference formed part of the Institute of Advanced Studies’ (IAS) strategic initiative of “Area Studies Re-mapped”. Previously, its goal was to work towards "area studies without borders". But, as the organizers explained, in light of the clearly growing significance of borders and boundaries around the world today, the focus has shifted towards examining fluidity, contestation and boundary-making.