As a professor at Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs in The Hague, I investigate the dynamics of identity, Islamophobia, and integration within European societies, particularly as they intersect with issues of security, nationalism, and community resilience. My work presents a nuanced understanding of extremism, positioning it not merely as an ideological phenomenon but as a deeply rooted sociopolitical issue impacted by exclusionary practices, economic disparity, and systemic discrimination.
Through positions at prestigious institutions around the world, I developed a strong background in sociology, critical terrorism studies, and Islamic studies that informs my scholarship. Before my tenure at Leiden, I held posts at the University of Birmingham, the Royal United Services Institute in London, and Istanbul University, where I researched counter-terrorism and the sociological impacts of Islamophobia on Muslim communities. In these roles, I established myself as a voice on the intersections between racial politics, identity, and radicalisation, drawing connections between the lived experiences of marginalised communities and the often unintended consequences of counter-terrorism policies.
Central to my contributions is a critical perspective on existing counter-terrorism frameworks, particularly their focus on ideological roots at the expense of understanding broader social contexts. I argue that conventional approaches to countering violent extremism, such as the UK’s Prevent strategy, often fail because they predominantly view radicalisation through a security lens that targets ideology without accounting for structural inequalities and social alienation. In Countering Violent Extremism (2021), I articulate how such policies can inadvertently reinforce radicalisation, as they overlook economic and sociopolitical factors that contribute to feelings of disenfranchisement and resentment among minority groups. My work has been recognised for advancing an approach to extremism that emphasises inclusion and social cohesion as essential tools for sustainable peace.
My leadership of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 DRIVE Project exemplifies my commitment to research that bridges academic insights with practical, policy-driven solutions. This project investigates the role of social exclusion in fostering radicalisation across Europe, aiming to provide actionable frameworks for inclusion to mitigate extremism. Through DRIVE, I collaborate with experts and policymakers across the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and the UK, producing analysis of how social integration efforts can counter the spread of extremism more effectively than traditional surveillance-based models. Through studying community-level interventions, my work in DRIVE underscores the power of grassroots inclusivity initiatives in reducing polarisation and fostering societal resilience.
As an author, I have written several works, including Islamophobia and Radicalisation (2019) and Islamophobia and Securitisation (2022, with L. Welton). My writings examine how Islamophobia—viewed both as a social phenomenon and as a political tool—exacerbates the marginalisation of Muslim communities, thereby creating fertile ground for radical ideologies to take root. I argue that, by focusing excessively on the ideological dimensions of radicalisation, policy frameworks often neglect the structural forces that contribute to these sentiments, such as economic disadvantage, educational inequity, and discriminatory policing. I contend that these societal structures fuel a cycle of disillusionment that counter-terrorism policies can inadvertently harden by targeting communities rather than addressing systemic issues.
My work extends beyond research into active engagement with public discourse and policy advice. By advocating for policies that prioritise the lived experiences of minority communities, I seek to challenge prevailing approaches in both academic and governmental spheres. My work suggests that counter-terrorism strategies should not merely react to threats but should also address the societal conditions that foster them. I encourage scholars and policymakers to adopt a holistic view of radicalisation, recognising that an overemphasis on ideology at the expense of context risks deepening societal divisions.
In my teaching at Leiden, I bring this integrative, critical perspective into the classroom, encouraging students to rethink established narratives around terrorism and to consider the socio-economic and political contexts that shape extremism. My courses on radicalisation and security are designed to offer students not only academic knowledge but also a framework for empathetic, informed engagement with global security issues. By fostering critical thinking and resilience in my students, I aim to prepare a new generation of scholars and practitioners who are equipped to tackle the complex challenges of extremism and integration in the modern world.
Professorial Profile [24-04-2024]
