Webinars on Radicalism, Extremism and Islamophobia - 4 November 2020

The webinar introduces the topic of radicalism, extremism, and islamophobia. It sets the stage for the presentations that will follow and highlights the research focus on radicalization among youth in European countries.

The presentation focuses on a transnational study of discourses surrounding media and scholarly islamophobia. It emphasizes the research methodology and objectives without presenting specific results.

This section discusses a transnational project with partners from universities and research centers focusing on scholarly islamophobia. It delves into the analysis of media content and its impact on perception and daily life of Muslim citizens.

The presentation delves into the scholarly perception of islamophobia as a discursive strategy fueled by hate, trauma, and social domination. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of Islam beyond stereotypes and simplifications.

The presenter discusses the relationship between seeking online extremist content and cognitive radicalization in young individuals. The study explores patterns of jihadist material consumption and its association with cognitive radicalization.

The section focuses on research into the factors contributing to cognitive radicalization in Belgian youth, especially in relation to jihadist materials consumption and involvement in delinquent behaviors.

The presentation examines the rise of Islamophobia among Polish youth, highlighting factors such as nationalism, lack of exposure to diverse cultures, and influence of social media in shaping negative attitudes towards Islam.

The segment delves into the impact of online extremist content on cognitive radicalization. It presents a study on how jihadist material consumption influences moral disengagement and willingness to engage in political violence.

The concluding part of the webinar includes a Q&A session touching on topics like multicultural education, societal responsibilities in addressing radicalization, and the importance of evidence-based practices in youth work.

The speakers discuss the complexity of Islamophobia and the need to grasp its full complexity for better understanding and addressing it. They talk about the efforts made but suggest more original ways to reach out and improve understanding outside academic circles.

Questions are raised about projects on youth radicalization and delinquency linked to Islam. The discussion covers measures for cognitive radicalization, discrimination towards migrant youth, and important risk factors such as moral disengagement and dehumanization.

The challenges related to the presence of Muslims in Western Europe are highlighted, including political shifts, refugee crisis, and labor market competition. The lack of opposition from the Muslim community in political decisions is mentioned, along with ongoing demonstrations for various causes, including judiciary independence and women’s rights.

The webinar concludes with a call for action, emphasizing the need for practical work and engagement. The European project on youth work is promoted, encouraging viewers to explore its work for further insights and inspiration in addressing radicalization and related issues.