Islamophobia and Securitisation

This book examines how Muslim communities in the Netherlands perceive and experience extremism, counter-radicalisation policies, and Islamophobia. It is based on the findings of two original qualitative research investigations conducted in the Netherlands, in which thirty scholars, imams, mosque board members, and representatives of Islamic organisations were interviewed. The book delves into topics such as the politicisation of the Dutch media, misunderstandings about ‘radicalisation’ and how they contribute to securitisation, and how Dutch Muslims have been confronted with the dilemma of dealing with radicalisation on their own, while also facing further vilification, securitisation, and Islamophobia, all of which continue to be issues. Additionally, the study examines the significance of ‘radical Salafi’ ideology and recruitment techniques as seen by Dutch Muslim communities.

“This is an essential volume for scholars interested in issues like identity, Islamophobia, radicalisation, violent extremism, and how academic research, and subsequent policy, directly affects the experiences of Muslim Communities.” (Jonathan Githens-Mazer, Associate Professor, University of Exeter, England) 

“Exciting book that contributes to ongoing explorative research about the (side)effects of counter-radicalism and counter-extremism legislation and policies in the Netherlands. The focus on the experience and perspective of Muslims adds significantly to the depth of academic, socio-political debates about securitisation and islamophobia in Western-Europe.” (Quirine Eijkman, Lecturer in Access to Law, Hogeschool Utrecht, Netherlands) 

“The term ‘radical’ has almost become an empty signifier since it is being interchangeably used with extremism, terrorism, fundamentalism and violence by political figures, media outlets and even many scholars. The nuanceamong these terms was much more clear in the past. However, this book stands out with its critical gaze. The authors of this work clearly depict the relational nature of the processes of radicalization that lead self-identified Muslims in the Netherlands to become more affiliated with essentialist forms of Islamic identity as a response to the structural, historical, societal and political forms of discrimination and exclusion as well as the practices of securitization of Islam and migration observable in the counter-radicalisation programs. I would like to welcome this book with a great appreciation.” (Ayhan Kaya, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey) 

“Guided by compelling empirical data and a penetrating analysis, this book provides illuminating insights into the complexities of Islamophobia and the securitization of Dutch Muslims. Welten and Abbas provide a concise and yet rich study that deftly navigates from a bird’s eye view of the political landscape to the lived experience of diverse Muslim interlocutors whose voices are too often excluded.” (Jasmin Zine, Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada)

Liselotte Welten is an independent researcher based in the Netherlands. 

Tahir Abbas is Professor of Radicalisation Studies at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs at Leiden University in The Hague, the Netherlands.