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Al Etihad
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
TRENDS symposium discusses 'Islamist Separatism in Europe', proposes solutions to dismantle extremist ideologies
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 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 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 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 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 stressed the need for strengthening parental oversight and raising awareness among families about the methods used by the Muslim Brotherhood to recruit and brainwash 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 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' 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.
Al Etihad
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
TRENDS signs, launches new publications at Paris International Book Fair
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad) As part of the program of events during its research tour in the French capital Paris, the pavilion of TRENDS Research & Advisory at the Paris International Book Fair witnessed the signing and launch of new publications in both French and English. These included the French edition of the book 'Applying Training and Simulation Models in Cybersecurity', the English edition of 'Money for Terrorism', and the study 'The Paradigm of 'Integral Islam' in Prescriptive Religious Discourse', published in French. Additionally, the TRENDS Youth Council held a discussion session entitled 'The Youth: A Bridge for Intercultural Communication' in the Salle d'Honneur at the Paris International Book Fair, with the participation of a group of young Emirati students studying at French universities, where they presented their roles in enhancing cultural dialogue between peoples and societies. In a related context, the TRENDS delegation, alongside the UAE Cyber Security Council, participated in the 48th edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2025, as part of affirming the importance of sports as a means to strengthen community and human bonds and foster constructive interaction with global initiatives. Training and Simulation Models On the sidelines of the center's second participation in the Paris International Book Fair, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, signed the French edition of his book 'Applying Training and Simulation Models in Cybersecurity', published by TRENDS, in the presence of Dr. Jack Lang, President of the Arab World Institute in Paris, and Senator Nathalie Goulet, alongside a wide range of academics, experts, and media professionals. In his book, Dr. Al Kuwaiti highlights the role of training and simulation in enhancing cybersecurity and presents pioneering models from countries such as the United States of America, Estonia, and the United Arab Emirates. He explains that the UAE has become a global leader and exemplary model in the field of cybersecurity, according to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index — a comprehensive measure issued by the International Telecommunication Union assessing cybersecurity maturity in 194 countries worldwide. Money for Terrorism For her part, Senator Nathalie Goulet, member of the French Senate for the Orne department, signed the English edition of her book 'Money for Terrorism', published by TRENDS. The book was first published in 2022 and reviews the means and tools through which terrorists finance their operations. The new 2025 edition takes into account recent regional and international events and conflicts, further enhancing the analyses and forecasts presented in its chapters. Senator Goulet stated that the book's chapters examine how the Muslim Brotherhood and the far-right extremist movement fund their activities. It also includes a chapter focusing on 'illicit funds', which represent loopholes in the global financial system. She added that the book also addresses other sources of terrorism financing, including animal trafficking, arms trade, cash fundraising networks, narcotics, electronic money transfers, money laundering, online donations, hacking, organized extortion, and others. The Paradigm of Integral Islam Meanwhile, Professor Dominique Avon, Professor of History at the École Pratique des Hautes Études at the Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL), launched his study 'The Paradigm of 'Integral Islam' in Prescriptive Religious Discourse', published by TRENDS in French. In it, he highlights that no society in history has ever lived under a governance system entirely subject to religious laws alone. These rules have always been blended with pre-existing traditional practices and influenced by external elements through processes of civilizational exchange. Avon points out that this historical fact is well known but has not received theoretical framing in the Ottoman, Persian, and Mughal empires, which ruled vast populations during the 18th century. Nevertheless, the ruling elites in these empires remained convinced that they governed according to the correct Islamic methodology. Youth and Enhancing Cultural Dialogue In a related vein, the TRENDS Youth Council organized a discussion session entitled 'The Youth: A Bridge for Intercultural Communication' in the Salle d'Honneur at the Paris International Book Fair. The participating young Emirati students studying medicine at French universities addressed their role in promoting cultural dialogue and developing mediation skills to resolve cultural conflicts and enhance understanding between communities and peoples. The participants affirmed that cultural, artistic, and community activities organized by youth play a significant role in breaking down barriers between different cultures. They explained that technology and social media platforms have become effective tools for fostering cultural rapprochement and opening constructive dialogues about cultural diversity. Additionally, student exchange programs between countries contribute to changing stereotypical images about other cultures among young people. Experiences of Studying and Living Abroad The participants also shared their experiences during their studies in the French Republic and the challenges they faced in terms of cultural differences and disparities in countries of residence. They spoke about the fears and anxieties they experienced upon arrival and how they used modern technology to facilitate their integration into French society. The young Emirati students studying in French universities addressed the ways they followed to confront personal and societal cultural biases during their interactions with diverse cultures, as well as the practical solutions they applied to overcome language gaps that hinder communication between youth from different cultural backgrounds. They confirmed that the fundamental means to address these biases and gaps are the values of tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance of others — values they were raised upon within the society of the United Arab Emirates. Paris Marathon As part of its current research tour in France and in response to an invitation from the organizing body, the TRENDS delegation, alongside the UAE Cyber security Council, participated in the 48th edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2025. This participation reaffirmed the importance of sports as a means to strengthen social and human bonds and foster constructive interaction with global initiatives. TRENDS' participation in this sports event also affirmed the role of sports in enhancing cultural diplomacy, linking scientific research with societal reality, and direct interaction with global initiatives. The marathon route started from the Champs-Élysées in the heart of Paris and passed by Parisian landmarks, including Place de la Nation and overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
