Global Islamophobia and the Rise of Populism

In recent years, Islamophobia has seen a disturbing global rise. Blaming Muslim minorities for economic, political, and social problems is an increasingly common rhetorical strategy for politicians in countries worldwide. A narrative of the ＂threatening Muslim invader＂ is troublingly prevalent, regardless of whether the targets of such rhetoric are born citizens or new arrivals.

Its consequences are deadly and devastating for Uyghurs in China-indefinitely detained in concentration camps-Indian Muslims attacked in pogroms, and the Rohingya victims of genocide. In parts of Europe and North America, the consequences of Islamophobia are less overtly violent but no less harmful: Muslims are banned from wearing hijab, building minarets, opening Islamic schools, or legally immigrating to certain countries. In the United States, Europe, and India, Islamophobic rhetoric is increasingly normalized, fracturing ethnically diverse societies as xenophobic right-wing political ideals accumulate followers at an alarming pace. In turn, Islamophobia in the West gives license to discrimination elsewhere, creating a vicious cycle of Islamophobia.

Global Islamophobia and the Rise of Populism is the first book to systemically examine the complex factors contributing to the rise in Islamophobia and right-wing populism across three continents-North America, Europe and Asia. Internationally renowned scholars offer insightful and empirically grounded analysis linking local contexts with global trends. This groundbreaking book is an essential contribution to discourse on immigration, racism, xenophobia, and human rights.

Sahar F. Aziz is a Distinguished Professor of Law at Rutgers University and the Executive Director of the Center for Security, Race and Rights. She is the recipient of the Derrick A. Bell Award from the American Association of Law Schools, a 2021 Soros Equality Fellow, and author of the groundbreaking book The Racial Muslim: When Racism Quashes Religious Freedom.

John L. Esposito is a Distinguished Professor of Religion and International Affairs and of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. He is the Founding Director of the Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and of The Bridge Initiative, a research project that extends education about Islamophobia to the public. Esposito has been a member of the World Economic Forum’s Council of 100 Leaders and the E. C. European Network of Experts on De-Radicalisation, a Senior Scientist for The Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, and an ambassador for the UN Alliance of Civilizations. He has also served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of State and other agencies and organizations worldwide.