The UK government’s new definition of extremism, unveiled with the noble intention of combating intolerance and hate, has raised serious concerns among civil liberties advocates, activists, and members of targeted communities who fear it could have severe unintended consequences for free speech and democratic dissent. The definition’s vague and broad nature risks encompassing a wide…… Continue reading Dissent at Risk: UK’s New Extremism Definition
Tag: Society
Call for Chapters
Dear Colleague I’m reaching out to let you know about an exciting opportunity to contribute to The Routledge International Handbook on Social Exclusion and Radicalisation, edited by myself, Dr. Lianne Vostermans, and Dr. Richard McNeil-Willson. This groundbreaking handbook will examine the relationship between social exclusion and radicalisation on a global scale, using multidisciplinary perspectives. It…… Continue reading Call for Chapters
The Old Oak: A film review
THE OLD OAK is a touching reminder of our shared humanity at a time of crises that affect individuals and communication due to local, national, and international challenges of identity, status, and belonging. The holiday this time of year provides stacks of opportunities to try and not do very much and, in some cases, find…… Continue reading The Old Oak: A film review
Inequality, Conflict, and Hope: Reviewing a Turbulent 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, I provide a reflection on the turbulence and conflicts that have emerged over the past year. Ranging from economic instability and widening inequality to geopolitical tensions heightened by the war in Ukraine and the flare-up of violence between Israel and Palestine, these crises have exacerbated polarisation, radicalisation, and ethno-religious…… Continue reading Inequality, Conflict, and Hope: Reviewing a Turbulent 2023
Fragmented Societies and the Dangers of Exclusive Nationalism
The rise in popularity of majoritarian nationalism, populism, authoritarianism, and nativist jingoism in national politics has occurred recently not only in South America (with Argentina) but also in Europe (with recent examples in Italy and the Netherlands). These concerns add to the ongoing debate over how to address issues of pluralism, diversity, and inclusion, despite…… Continue reading Fragmented Societies and the Dangers of Exclusive Nationalism
The Vicissitudes of Dutch Electoral Politics
The results of yesterday’s snap parliamentary elections in the Netherlands have sent shockwaves across Europe. With 37 seats in the 150-seat chamber, the far-right, anti-immigration Party for Freedom (PVV), run by the controversial Geert Wilders, has emerged as the dominant force. This outcome raises the alarming prospect of an extremist party dictating policy in one…… Continue reading The Vicissitudes of Dutch Electoral Politics
Countering Exclusion, Countering Radicalisation
There has been a pronounced rise of anti-Muslim sentiment across Europe in recent years, with roots dating back to the 1990s that were sharply accelerated after the events of 9/11. This pervasive Islamophobia stems from lingering post-colonial Orientalist attitudes that fundamentally view Muslims as problematic outsiders threatening European identity. Anti-Muslim perspectives are deeply ingrained in…… Continue reading Countering Exclusion, Countering Radicalisation
Defining Radicalisation Studies
Radicalisation studies has emerged as an interdisciplinary field that aims to develop a nuanced, holistic understanding of the multidimensional process of radicalisation in contemporary societies. This field integrates theoretical and methodological insights from various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, political science, international relations, cultural anthropology, religious studies, and security studies (Neumann, 2013; Sedgwick, 2010; Heath-Kelly et…… Continue reading Defining Radicalisation Studies
The Calculated Nationalism of Suella Braverman: A Disturbing Lurch Towards Xenophobia
Last week, Home Secretary Suella Braverman delivered a speech that sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Britain. In her address, she unleashed an incendiary diatribe against immigration and multiculturalism, stirring outrage and alarm across the entire political spectrum. As a cabinet minister responsible for security and integration policy, her words carried profound weight and…… Continue reading The Calculated Nationalism of Suella Braverman: A Disturbing Lurch Towards Xenophobia
Edward Said’s Orientalism and Its Insights on Radicalisation Discourses
On 25 September 2023, it will be the twentieth anniversary of the passing of the great scholar Edward Said, a Palestinian-Christian-American literary theorist who dedicated his scholarly endeavours to examining the phenomenon of marginalisation and the portrayal of the “other” in various contexts. In his seminal work published in 1978, entitled Orientalism, the author critically…… Continue reading Edward Said’s Orientalism and Its Insights on Radicalisation Discourses