Freedom of expression seems to be a cherished ideal however dynamics of freedom of expression are constantly changing because of the power structures. According to Dominique Moisi geopolitics in the contemporary world is characterized by a ‘clash of emotions.’ The three dominant emotions that drive the relationship of countries with the rest of the world are ‘fear, humiliation, and hope.’ Moisi suggests that most of the Muslim world is driven by humiliation that devolves into hatred. ‘Blasphemy’ by the West ignites this process. That is why freedom of expression should not be absolute. It should not provoke or humiliate values and beliefs or incite hatred against a specific religion, culture, caste, and creed. Limitations serve as an authorization to protect the rights or reputations of others and to maintain law and order on the larger scale. The conference strives to analyze different dimensions of freedom of expression and how it is related to global and local politics of emotions. Papers may be submitted for the following themes (however not restricted to the following).

The parallel sessions are as follows:

• Meta narratives of freedom of speech
• Cyber world and hate speech
• Blasphemy: Legal perspectives and remedies
• Cartoons communication and ethical dilemmas
• Blasphemy and religions in the contemporary world
• Sacred or secular: Politics of emotions