Academic Essay

The Symbiotic relationship between Islamophobia, the Far Right and Muslim Radicalisation

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Islamophobia may be defined as “a useful shorthand way of referring to dread or hatred of Islam — and, therefore, to fear or dislike of all or Most Muslims”, and may range from benign misinformation and micro-aggressions to overt discrimination. Islamophobia results from the complex interplay of multiple factors, including a belief in the inferiority of Muslims, historical antipathy, and overseas conflicts. There are multiple levels of Islamophobia, including institutional Islamophobia, organisational efforts to fuel Islamophobia, interpersonal Islamophobia resulting in insults and attacks against Muslims, overt Islamophobia with its explicit hatred, and covert Islamophobia’s subtle and masked prejudices.

Unfortunately, this background environment of Islamophobia fuels right-wing extremism, in which the old-fashioned, fascist mindset has evolved into anti-immigrant and particularly anti-Muslim hate. As the mind-set proliferates, anti-Muslim hate is legitimised and enters mainstream public discourse. In addition, Islamophobia is used as a recruitment tool for right-wing extremist groups, feeding on terrorist attacks at home and abroad to escalate and intensify anti-Muslim hatred, causing an increase in Islamophobic incidents. Anders Breivik’s…