Based on studies of British Muslim groups over a two-decade period, Abbas’ latest book reflects on his research on two separate but related concepts. In the current epoch of security and global affairs, the pernicious forces of Islamophobia do not only have the power to radicalise jihadis but also far right extremists through their own norms in relation to counter-jihad.
That is, Islamophobia has the power to divide societies, increase attacks against visible minorities, in particular women, sustain an atmosphere of fear and loathing, and radicalise the fringes of society in mutually reinforcing patterns of hate, intolerance and violence. The context is economic, political and cultural – with austerity, populist authoritarianism and the relaxation of attitudes in relation to racism – acting as the foundations of this social phenomenon that is also found across Europe.
Abbas explores the local, national and international issues driving this reality and how it has transcends national borders due to the forces of neoliberal globalisation that accompanies a general but persistent political drift to the political right.
Tahir Abbas is Assistant Professor at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs at Leiden University in The Hague.