Center of Muslim Politics and World Society Studies (COMPOSE)

COMPOSE’s vision is to be a center of excellence to advance research on the socio-economic and political development of Muslim states and societies and their inter-connections with world society; and to promote a mutual understanding between Muslim states or societies and others through research, publication, and public outreach. Meanwhile, the mission of COMPOSE is as follows:

1. Conduct rigorous research on the socio-economic and political development of Muslim states and societies and their interconnections with world society.
2. Publish its research findings in leading national and international peer-reviewed academic journals or in a book form in cooperation with reputable publishers.
3. Disseminate its research findings to academic communities and the public through discussions, seminars, workshops, and conferences in both domestic and international.
4. Disseminate its research findings to the public through the publication of policy briefs, popular media articles, and social media highlights.
5. Engage with policymakers in Indonesia and international ones on issues that are relevant to the research topics.

In implementing its missions, COMPOSE adheres to the following principles:

• Independent
  COMPOSE in its works does not represent or support the interests of a particular group, ideology, religion, country, or region.
• Objective
  COMPOSE always bases its views or perspectives on evidence and does not hold a prior bias for or against a particular view or perspective.
• Rigorous
  COMPOSE in conducting its works always upholds scientific method and implements it as best as possible.
• Transparent
  COMPOSE does not conceal certain aspects of its works unnecessarily and is open to inquiries on all aspects of its research and operations as far as allowed by the law of the country.
• Ethical
  COMPOSE in its works always holds the highest ethical standard and does not condone any behaviour that is dishonest, untrustworthy, degrading or endangering others, or outright criminal.
• Relevant
  COMPOSE works on issues and problems that are relevant to the future development of Muslim politics and world society.

COMPOSE develops several research programs that aim to tackle fundamental problems in the study of socio-economic and political developments of Muslim states and societies and their inter-connections with world society. These research programs include:

1. Conflict and peace resolution in a globalized world
2. Environmental issues and politics
3. Political institutions and electoral competitions in Muslim societies
4. Education, science, and technological development in the Muslim World
5. Contentious politics and social movements
6. Transnationalism and globalized Muslim societies
7. Middle-power politics and world society
8. Conflict and cooperation in the Muslim world
9. Political economy of Muslim states and societies

Research at COMPOSE uses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches. Quantitative approach is used to explain general patterns and establish causal impacts in the pattern, while qualitative approach is employed to elucidate its causal mechanism. Mixed-method approaches are used to combine the strength of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to political explanation. Research at COMPOSE also utilises rigorous and updated research methodologies in social science in accordance with international standards.

As part of its mission, COMPOSE promotes constructive and sincere dialogues between different communities of scholars and faith through public discussion, seminars, workshops and conferences. The Center will also engage with policy makers to promote its research findings in order to improve public policies.