The Securitisation of Islam in Europe

This paper summarises the main hypotheses and results of the research on the securitisation of Islam. It posits that the securitisation of Islam is not only a speech act but also a policy-making process that affects the making of immigration laws, multicultural policies anti discrimination measures and security policies. The paper deconstructs and analyses the premises of such policies as well as their consequences on the civic and political participation of Muslims. The behaviour of Muslims was studied through 50 focus groups conducted in Paris, London, Berlin and Amsterdam over the year 2007-08. The results show a great discrepancy between the assumptions of policy-makers and the political and social reality of Muslims across Europe. The paper presents recommendations to facilitate the greater inclusion of Muslims within European public spheres.

Dr Jocelyn Cesari is a Lecturer on Islamic Studies at Harvard University, Senior Research Fellow at CNRS-Paris and Center for Middle Eastern Studies and Director of the Islam in the West Program.

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The Securitisation of Islam in Europe