Securitisation of Islam: Covert Racism and Affect in the United States Post-9/11

This book provides a timely analysis of the securitisation of Islam since 9/11 and explores the contradictions between discriminatory counterterrorism measures and claims of non-racism. It links the Islamic terrorism discourse with covert racism and offers an alternative approach to counter-radicalisation through a quantum perspective.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This book is a timely and comprehensive analysis of the securitization of Islam since the 9/11 attacks, offering an original study of Islamophobia and White fragility in a context where far-right extremism is on the rise in Europe and the United States. It delves into the complex dynamics of how various U.S. governments have implemented discriminatory counterterrorism measures on Muslim communities, while simultaneously claiming they are not racist. Eroukhmanoff addresses these contradictions by linking the discourse of Islamic terrorism with covert racism and exposing the covert mechanisms behind this securitization. Furthermore, the book offers a critical critique of both the "soft" and "hard" approaches to counterterrorism and proposes an alternative perspective on counter-radicalization by introducing a quantum perspective.

Drawing on the "affective turn," Eroukhmanoff argues that covert securitizations deprive the act of securitization of its emotional dimension, thereby allowing White American subjects to be portrayed as innocent and threatened while constructing Muslim subjects as potential terrorists and mere sites of securitization. This de-affectivization contributes to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and reinforces the divide between different communities.

Through its insightful analysis and compelling arguments, this book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of securitization, Islamophobia, and White fragility in the post-9/11 world. It is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim communities and the urgent need for inclusive and equitable policies to address these issues.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 232 x 157 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526128942