iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

so I applaud the scholars behind this work, including but not limited to Jonas R. Kunst, Milan Obaidi, and my mentor, Kumar Yogeeswaran- to whom I owe my understanding of social and sociopolitical psychology.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

It’s original research and substantially topical for the current time given we have been experiencing violent extremism globally and locally. Having engaged in large sample research, I understand the challenges of data collection from various countries.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

On the other hand, addressing defensive violent extremism would need focus on reducing perception of group-based threats and building intergroup trust. We need these in all human societies for peace.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

For me the most important learning point is the article's conclusion that strengthening democratic institutions and human development may be effective in increasing macrolevel resilience against offensive violent extremism.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

On the other hand, defensive violent extremism is motivated by protection & threat-aversion, associated with narcissistic (personal threat sensitivity) & Machiavellian (strategic manipulation & calculated behaviour) traits and receives moral legitimacy, perceived more acceptable.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

The article shows that offensive violent extremism is motivated by dominance seeking and religious fundamentalism, high in societies that experience violence and conflict; and relatively low in more democratic and developed societies.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

What factors motivate offensive vs defensive violent extremism? In this recently published PNAS article, authors collected data from 58 countries to distinguish motivations behind offensive and defensive outgroup (other-group) violent extremism.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

An absolute honour for the @muslimdiversity.bsky.social to be featured in University of Otago’s annual research magazine, He Kitenga. Grateful to our collaborators, RAs, and the communities who made this possible. www.otago.ac.nz/__data/asset...

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Brought to you by: Aotearoa New Zealand Islamic Think Tank and the @universityofotago.bsky.social Organising Committee: Dr Usman Afzali Dr Zahra Emamzadeh Dr Fatima Junaid Prof Mohan Dutta Mr Rito Triumbarto

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

📝 Abstract: 200 words 📅 Deadline: 31 January 2026 🔗 Submit here: otago.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp… Join us in Dunedin as we shape conversations on equity, inclusion, and justice for Muslim communities across the region. For enquiries: usman.afzali@otago.ac.nz

otago.au1.qualtrics.com

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

We’re excited to invite abstract submissions for the Second Muslims in Asia-Pacific (MAP2) Conference, following the success of MAP1 in Wellington. Researchers, practitioners, community leaders, and students are warmly encouraged to contribute.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Call for Abstracts – Second Muslims in Asia-Pacific (MAP2) Conference Theme: Building Equitable Futures for Muslim Communities Dunedin, New Zealand • June 20-21, 2026

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Lates addition to my YouTube channel, where I shared @muslimdiversity.bsky.social findings with the Christchurch community at University of Canterbury. youtu.be/dndao9c51bw

youtu.be

Seen - How New Zealand Muslims Perceive Themselves—And Are Perceived

YouTube video by Usman Afzali

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

📣 Meet our amazing speakers for the upcoming talks in Palmerston North and Nelson! We can’t wait to see you there! 🙌 #muslimdiversitystudy

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

We’re coming to Massey University, Palmerston North today! 📍 Massey Campus 🕥 10:30 AM Join us for a meaningful conversation in collaboration with Massey University academics, researchers & scholars. Listen, connect, reflect — see you there! 👋

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

✨ A Quick Reminder! ✨ Alongside our morning talk today at Massey University, Palmerston North, we’ve got two more evening sessions coming up 🙌 🌆 Tonight – Palmerston North 🌆 Tomorrow – Nelson Bring your friends, family, colleagues — finger food will be served! 🍴🌟

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Wonderful ECR hui at the University of Canterbury — sunny skies, great energy, and inspiring plans for our early career researchers network. Thanks to everyone for fostering such a supportive and safe space 🤩🙌🏽❤️

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

We can’t thank enough our wonderful collaborators at CARE 🤝💚 Grateful for the long-lasting support and partnership! It was great connecting at Massey University’s PN campus 🏫🌳 with collaborators and academics who care about Muslim resilience and representation in Aotearoa 💫

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Meaningful kōrero with the Manawatū Muslim Association, Palmy North Masjid community 🕌💬 Shared our MDS findings and received incredible love and support 💕 A truly unforgettable evening 🌙✨ #muslimdiversitystudy #palmynorth #aotearoa🇳🇿

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

What an inspiring evening in beautiful Nelson 🌿🏙️ We had the most engaging kōrero with the small but vibrant Muslim community at Multicultural Nelson Tasman 🕌💬 So much kindness, curiosity, and support — thank you, Nelson! 💕 Special shoutout to our collaborators for your wonderful mahi 🙏✨

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

🗓 Palmerston North 🎟 Register: 👉 [www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/seen-how-new…] 👈

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

✨ Rare snaps from our Dunedin event — our very first talk of the year! 📍 The photos may be a little rough (sorry, Dunedin lighting 😅), but the conversations were brilliant💡 Here’s our little throwback to April 2025 — what a way to kick off the year! 🙌 #throwbac #dunedinevents

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

✨ We’re bringing the Muslim Diversity Study Key Findings to your community in Palmerston North & Nelson! #muslimdiversitystudy #palmerstonnorthnz #nelsonnz #communityevent

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

🎉 Clips from our talk where we shared the latest findings from #MDS & heard directly from inspiring community + youth leaders. 💡✨ Huge thanks to everyone who joined us in #Christchurch — your energy and voices made it such a special event. 🙌 Grateful to the whole MDS team for making this happen. ❤️

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

Our worthy speakers :)

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Highlights from our recent talk at the UoWaikato #hamilton A big shoutout to the youth organisations & community leaders who shared powerful talks. 💡💪 Thank you, Hamilton, for the warm support. We’ll be back again soon! 💙

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

✨ Fresh drops from our recent talk in #hamilton We were blessed with an incredible crowd — from youth speakers and women leaders to our wise community elders. 🫶 Thank you for showing up, sharing your voice, and supporting #muslimdiversitystudy for the wider #muslim community. 🌙💬

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

Throwing it back to our talks in #auckland An unforgettable gathering — youth voices, inspiring women leaders & our elders all in one space. 💬🌟 We’re so grateful for everyone who came in to get insights on #muslimdiversitystudy in #aoetearoa 🙏🌏

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

✨ Unforgettable moments from our #christchurch talks in August! The energy was incredible. 🙌🏽🔋 Thank you to everyone who shared their voice & supported #muslimdiversitystudy 🧡

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

✨ Throwing it back to our May kōrero in #Wellington! We were joined by students, researchers, scholars, and academics — all coming together for a rich morning of learning and discussion. 📚🤝 So grateful to everyone who engaged with the #MuslimDiversityStudy

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Upcoming talk in Al-Huda mosque next Tuesday, 23 Sep, during Islamic Awareness Week. Title: Sociopolitical Psychology of being a Muslim in New Zealand. @muslimdiversity.bsky.social

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Muslim Diversity Study @muslimdiversity.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

We're sharing our key findings with Christchurch and Hamilton communities this month. Register via #eventbrite For Christchurch eventbrite.co.nz/e/seen-how-n... For Hamilton eventbrite.co.nz/e/seen-how-n... @usmanafzali.bsky.social

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

22nd Annual Peace Lecture will be delivered by Prof Halim Rane of Griffith University next week. Date: 11 Aug 2025 Time: 6:15pm Location: St David Complex Lecture Theatre. @universityofotago.bsky.social Campus, Dunedin.

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Steve Most @sbmost.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

I recently spoke about the central role of interpersonal connection in teaching (bit.ly/4e43oEM). I just tried something new to foster it in lecture format: pauses for free-form "3 minute Q&A". Student feedback was insightful & mostly positive, attached so you can see whether you want to try it.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

We now have a Bluesky account for Muslim Diversity Study. Follow us for updates and publications. @muslimdiversity.bsky.social

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

A tragic loss for the psyc community and Otago Uni. Damian’s legacy will continue.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

June is an amazing scholar. I benefited greatly from their emotional intelligence course on Apple Education many years ago.

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

Could one study remotely ever? Or only in person?

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

New job, new #profile. #Milestones www.otago.ac.nz/religion/our...

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 20/09/2024

While I know citations aren't the best measure of research impact, it feels great to finally hit three digits! 📚🎉 #AcademicLife #ResearchImpact #Citations

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 19/09/2024

Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #6,568,365!

A virtual certificate with text "Celebrating 10M users on Bluesky, #6,568,365, Usman Afzali ‪@usmanafzali.bsky.social‬, joined on Aug 31, 2024"

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Usman Afzali @usmanafzali.bsky.social · 03/09/2024

New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2024, Te Pae, Christchurch.

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