The controversies surrounding the dramatic rise and fall of former Prime Minister Imran Khan are obscuring Pakistan’s preparations for crucial general elections on 8 February. Though barred from running himself, Khan’s enduring popularity and allegations of a “foreign conspiracy” to unseat him have left the nuclear-armed nation’s already fragile democracy on uncertain ground. A Legend…… Continue reading The Long Shadow of Imran Khan Darkens Pakistan’s Elections
Author: prof.t.abbas
Call for Chapters
Dear Colleague I’m reaching out to let you know about an exciting opportunity to contribute to The Routledge International Handbook on Social Exclusion and Radicalisation, edited by myself, Dr. Lianne Vostermans, and Dr. Richard McNeil-Willson. This groundbreaking handbook will examine the relationship between social exclusion and radicalisation on a global scale, using multidisciplinary perspectives. It…… Continue reading Call for Chapters
Mark Robert Dunmore Johnson (1948–2023): An Eulogy
The late Mark Robert Dunmore Johnson (1948–2023) was my PhD second supervisor back at the University of Warwick from 1995 to 2000. An Oxford-trained geographer, he specialised in ethnic inequalities, with a particular focus on health. I remember my time with him with great joy and fondness because he was very eccentric and playful but…… Continue reading Mark Robert Dunmore Johnson (1948–2023): An Eulogy
The Old Oak: A film review
THE OLD OAK is a touching reminder of our shared humanity at a time of crises that affect individuals and communication due to local, national, and international challenges of identity, status, and belonging. The holiday this time of year provides stacks of opportunities to try and not do very much and, in some cases, find…… Continue reading The Old Oak: A film review
Inequality, Conflict, and Hope: Reviewing a Turbulent 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, I provide a reflection on the turbulence and conflicts that have emerged over the past year. Ranging from economic instability and widening inequality to geopolitical tensions heightened by the war in Ukraine and the flare-up of violence between Israel and Palestine, these crises have exacerbated polarisation, radicalisation, and ethno-religious…… Continue reading Inequality, Conflict, and Hope: Reviewing a Turbulent 2023
Fragmented Societies and the Dangers of Exclusive Nationalism
The rise in popularity of majoritarian nationalism, populism, authoritarianism, and nativist jingoism in national politics has occurred recently not only in South America (with Argentina) but also in Europe (with recent examples in Italy and the Netherlands). These concerns add to the ongoing debate over how to address issues of pluralism, diversity, and inclusion, despite…… Continue reading Fragmented Societies and the Dangers of Exclusive Nationalism
The Vicissitudes of Dutch Electoral Politics
The results of yesterday’s snap parliamentary elections in the Netherlands have sent shockwaves across Europe. With 37 seats in the 150-seat chamber, the far-right, anti-immigration Party for Freedom (PVV), run by the controversial Geert Wilders, has emerged as the dominant force. This outcome raises the alarming prospect of an extremist party dictating policy in one…… Continue reading The Vicissitudes of Dutch Electoral Politics
Countering Exclusion, Countering Radicalisation
There has been a pronounced rise of anti-Muslim sentiment across Europe in recent years, with roots dating back to the 1990s that were sharply accelerated after the events of 9/11. This pervasive Islamophobia stems from lingering post-colonial Orientalist attitudes that fundamentally view Muslims as problematic outsiders threatening European identity. Anti-Muslim perspectives are deeply ingrained in…… Continue reading Countering Exclusion, Countering Radicalisation
Defining Radicalisation Studies
Radicalisation studies has emerged as an interdisciplinary field that aims to develop a nuanced, holistic understanding of the multidimensional process of radicalisation in contemporary societies. This field integrates theoretical and methodological insights from various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, political science, international relations, cultural anthropology, religious studies, and security studies (Neumann, 2013; Sedgwick, 2010; Heath-Kelly et…… Continue reading Defining Radicalisation Studies
From Nakba to Today: Tracing 75 Years of Israeli-Palestinian Turbulence
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply complex and sensitive issue with a long history of violence, grievances, and disputes on both sides. It is essential to acknowledge that perspectives on this conflict can vary widely, and the topic is highly polarised. I highlight some significant events and actions on both sides. It is important to…… Continue reading From Nakba to Today: Tracing 75 Years of Israeli-Palestinian Turbulence