TRENDS symposium discusses 'Islamist Separatism in Europe', proposes solutions to dismantle extremist ideologies

Al Etihad

15-04-2025

15 Apr 2025 10:05
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)Participants in the seminar 'Islamist Separatism in Europe: Challenges and Solutions', organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory at the Salle d'Honneur at the Grand Palais in Paris, unanimously stressed the danger of separatist tendencies adopted by extremist groups and terrorist movements — foremost among them the Muslim Brotherhood. They warned that these tendencies lead to the spread of violence, division, extremism and hatred, contributing to the erosion of national and societal unity.During the symposium, which was moderated by Hamad Al-Hosani, Senior Researcher and Head of Political Islam Studies at TRENDS — held as part of the center's research tour in France and on the sidelines of its participation in the Paris International Book Fair — intellectuals, experts and specialists called for the dismantling of extremist groups' ideas and ideologies, supporting values of tolerance and coexistence, and strengthening international cooperation in this regard. They emphasized the importance of confronting these narratives intellectually, by expanding scientific and academic analysis to deconstruct their discourse and concepts.The symposium was attended by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cyber Security Council; His Excellency Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; as well as a wide array of thinkers, experts, writers, journalists and scholars interested in the study of political Islamist groups, extremism and terrorism.
Extremist IdeologiesDr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, opened the symposium discussions with a welcoming address, emphasizing that extremist groups — particularly Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood — threaten the cohesion and security of societies through the propagation of extremist ideas and ideologies.He noted that, since its inception, TRENDS has committed itself to combating extremism and deconstructing the rhetoric of terrorist groups, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, through scientific and intellectual analysis aimed at dismantling their concepts and ideologies, and offering effective recommendations and solutions for confronting them intellectually.
The Danger of Separatist TendenciesDr. Al-Ali pointed out that many nations, intellectuals and opinion leaders have begun to recognize the danger of Brotherhood ideology to their societies, particularly as the group seeks to monopolize religious discourse. France and the UAE are at the forefront of this effort, working to neutralize extremist elements and ensure religious narratives that promote tolerance, openness and coexistence. This reflects an awareness of the threat posed by the separatist tendencies promoted by the Muslim Brotherhood, which undermine national unity and social harmony and spread hatred.He stressed that intellectuals, opinion leaders and governments should be more engaged in countering the dangers of extremist rhetoric — particularly from the Muslim Brotherhood, which has sought to establish an alternative, ideologically-driven religious identity that fosters an 'emotional estrangement' from their communities and countries, fueling a desire to overturn societal values and destabilize social cohesion.
Politicizing ReligionFor his part, Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, President of the Conference of Imams of France and Imam of Drancy Mosque in Seine-Saint-Denis, spoke about 'The role of religious leaders in confronting Islamist separatism'. He explained that protecting societies from the politicization of religion and the danger of the Muslim Brotherhood is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation among researchers, policymakers and academic and intellectual institutions.He stressed the need for strengthening parental oversight and raising awareness among families about the methods used by the Muslim Brotherhood to recruit and brainwash youth.Chalghoumi noted that the religious discourse promoted by the Muslim Brotherhood is a politically motivated, aggressive rhetoric filled with hatred, incitement and rejection of coexistence. He called for reforming this discourse and turning religious platforms into channels for disseminating Islam's authentic values, mutual respect, peaceful integration and shared living. He pointed out that more than 1,700 websites in Europe connected to political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood promote the group's ideology, targeting youth and posing a direct threat to intellectual and social security — a challenge requiring immediate and effective confrontation.
Analyzing Ideological Phenomena Marek Halter, French writer, artist and human rights activist, spoke about the connections between separatism and terrorism. He emphasized the importance of the intellectual and awareness-raising role played by think tanks in dismantling extremist and terrorist rhetoric. He stressed that it is the responsibility of these institutions to analyze ideological phenomena and educate societies about the dangers of religious extremism.Halter asserted that Islam is a great religion, but extremism corrodes it from within. He added that moderate Islam must liberate itself from this malignant extremism, as extremist groups — especially the Muslim Brotherhood — use religion as a cover for their political ambitions, spreading division among nations and threatening the stability of societies and states by fomenting internal discord.
Complex Organizational NetworksDr. Florence Bergeaud-Blackler, President of the European Center for Research and Information on Freemasonry (CERIF), addressed the spread and dangers of Brotherhood-driven separatism in Europe. She explained that the emergence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe resulted from the gradual internationalization of Egypt's Brotherhood movement. Over time, it evolved through the development of highly organized and complex networks, establishing links with other extremist groups and movements seeking to undermine human rights values and 'Islamize' society.She highlighted that the Muslim Brotherhood's activities in Europe have raised significant concerns regarding social integration and radicalization, underscoring the importance of understanding the group's objectives and strategies. Such an understanding, she noted, can contribute to the development of effective policies and plans to confront the challenges posed by the Brotherhood and its offshoot organizations within European societies.
Undermining DemocracyShannon Seban, President of the Renaissance Party in the Seine-Saint-Denis region, argued that Islamist separatism is not a religious issue, but a political and ideological project — a deliberate attempt by a radical minority to reject the law, undermine democracy, and spread intimidation and fear. She stressed that this tiny minority does not represent the nearly two billion peaceful, law-abiding Muslims around the world.
Seban emphasized that the spread of Islamist separatist ideology weakens social cohesion, fosters extremism and violence, and fuels division and populism. She called for greater transparency in the funding of religious institutions, proper training for imams in Europe, and support for associations defending women's rights and civil liberties. Additionally, she advocated empowering teachers and social workers — the first line of defense against extremism — and investing in education to raise a generation capable of critical thinking and resilient against ideological manipulation.