Professor Tahir Abbas FRSA FAcSS is a renowned social science professor who specialises in the study of radicalisation, Islamophobia, and minority-majority relations. He holds a chair at Leiden University in the Netherlands and is an honorary professor at the University of Exeter in the UK. He was the scientific coordinator of the European Commission-funded H2020 Drive project, which investigates the role of social exclusion in fostering extremism and polarisation in northwestern Europe (Jan 21–June 2024). He is principal investigator of the European Commission-funded ICF Protone project, which explores issues in relation to safeguarding Abrahamic religious places of worship in Europe (Feb 2023–May 2025).
Throughout his career, Abbas has consistently explored themes of multiculturalism, integration, identity, and the socio-economic dynamics of minority communities. His early work in the 2000s examined issues such as the educational experiences of South Asians, the impact of 9/11 on British Muslims, and the interplay between ethnicity and entrepreneurship. Books like Muslim Britain: Communities Under Pressure (2005) and Islamic Radicalism and Multicultural Politics: The British Experience (2011) established Abbas as an authoritative voice on the complexities of minority experiences in the West.
Over time, Abbas’ research has increasingly focused on the security dimensions surrounding Muslim communities, reflecting the shifting political landscape in the wake of events like the 7/7 London bombings. He has critically examined the development and implementation of counter-terrorism policies such as Prevent, highlighting their impact on issues of integration, citizenship, and surveillance. Works like Islamophobia and Radicalisation: A Vicious Cycle (2019) and Countering Violent Extremism: The International Deradicalization Agenda (2021) demonstrate Abbas’ engagement with the factors driving radicalisation and the effectiveness of counter-extremism strategies.
Among the prestigious academic journals in which Abbas frequently publishes are Ethnic and Racial Studies, Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Critical Studies on Terrorism, Terrorism and Political Violence, and the British Journal of Sociology of Education. Reputable academic presses such as Routledge, Palgrave, Bloomsbury, IB Tauris, Oxford UP (USA), Edinburgh UP, Manchester UP, Syracuse UP, and Hurst have published his monographs and edited volumes, maintaining his reputation as a prominent academic in his field. Abbas demonstrates his dedication to disseminating his research to a wider audience by actively participating in public discussions through opinion pieces published in publications such as deKantteken (translated into Dutch).
Professor Tahir Abbas’ work offers a nuanced and critical perspective on the challenges faced by minorities in Britain and the West. His research has traced the evolving experiences of these communities, from issues of integration and identity to the impact of counter-terrorism policies and the rise of Islamophobia. By situating these experiences within broader sociological and policy contexts, Abbas has made significant contributions to both academic and public debates on multiculturalism, securitisation, and the place of Islam in Western societies. His scholarship continues to shape our understanding of these complex issues and offers important insights for policymakers and practitioners working in these fields.
Professorial Profile [24-04-2024]
