Additional information
by Carmelo Russo (Editor), Alessandro Saggioro (Editor)
The book explores two central themes: superdiversity, particularly within religious contexts, and the practice of peacebuilding. Contributors examine how these themes intersect, combining theoretical discussions with real-world case studies. The introduction lays out the book's conceptual framework and structure, followed by eight chapters divided into two sections: one focusing on religious superdiversity in Asia and its implications for peacebuilding, and the other exploring case studies of the Asian diaspora in Italy, using Rome as a focal point. Steven Vertovec's seminal 2007 article introduced the concept of superdiversity, highlighting its transformative implications for immigration. Despite initial acclaim, superdiversity has faced criticism from scholars questioning its novelty and practical utility. However, the term has expanded across disciplinary boundaries and geographical contexts. Religion, once peripheral to discussions of superdiversity, has gained prominence and religious pluralism has become a key aspect of many researches offering insights into contemporary society's complexity. The book takes a deep dive into the intricate relationship between superdiversity and peacebuilding, recognizing the complex interplay between these two phenomena. It employs empirical analyses spanning diverse geographical areas such as Syria, Indonesia, Nepal, Vietnam, and Asian diasporas in Italy. Through the lens of various religious contexts including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholic Christianity, as well as "Traditional" and "Indigenous" religions, the authors explore how historical and anthropological narratives shape conflicts and their non violent transformation.
