Thomas Uthup is senior research associate, Institute of Global Cultural Studies, Binghamton University (SUNY). He is also founder of Friends UN Alliance of Civilizations (Twitter/@friendsunaoc), which promotes good practices in the governance of cultural diversity, intercultural education, interfaith relations, migrant integration, and youth empowerment. He previously served as research and education manager for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations project where he coordinated research networks and education projects, represented the Alliance at appropriate meetings, and provided inputs for senior UN officials on cultural issues.
Dr. Uthup's academic focus has been on the complex relationships between culture and society, with special attention to religious factors – especially Islam – affecting political behavior. Dr. Uthup has published well over 90 newspaper, journal and reference articles. He has taught at Binghamton University-New York and the College of Wooster-Ohio and been a guest lecturer in classes at Oberlin College-Ohio and Cornell University-New York.