World map with interconnected mosques and government buildings, overlaid with a question mark, symbolizing the complex relationship between Islam and Western policy.

Navigating the 'Muslim Question': How Western Policies Shape Identity and Security

Avery Sinclair in Global Affairs August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Examining the complex relationship between Western policy, Muslim identity, and global security in an era of rising nationalism and Islamophobia."

The rise of populist nationalism, exemplified by Brexit and the Trump administration, has brought the 'Muslim Question' to the forefront of political discourse in Europe and North America. This resurgence echoes historical anxieties, reminiscent of the 'Jewish Question,' where identity and belonging become highly politicized.

Contemporary debates are not solely confined to the integration of Muslim communities within Western societies. They extend to foreign policy challenges, regional security risks, and the perceived threat of Islamist movements. This creates a complex web where domestic and international issues intertwine, fueled by globalization and transnational mobility.

Understanding how Islam and Muslims are perceived and treated in Western policy is critical. This analysis goes beyond simply cataloging anti-Muslim actions. It examines how even well-intentioned policies can inadvertently reinforce a sense of 'otherness,' setting Muslim communities apart and influencing their identity in the eyes of both policymakers and the public.

The Shifting Sands: From Cold War Ally to Security Concern

World map with interconnected mosques and government buildings, overlaid with a question mark, symbolizing the complex relationship between Islam and Western policy.

Throughout much of the 20th century, Islam held a relatively minor position in Western foreign policy. Initially, Islamic groups were viewed as potential allies against communism, particularly in regions like North Africa. However, this perspective shifted dramatically with the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

The Iranian Revolution presented a new paradigm, flooding American media with images of anti-American sentiment and solidifying a perception of political Islam as a threat. While there was a brief return to viewing Islamic groups as bulwarks against communism in Afghanistan, the end of the Cold War ushered in a new era of uncertainty.

9/11 as a Turning Point: The September 11th attacks dramatically reshaped the landscape. The attacks introduced a sense of imminent threat, linking Islam to direct risk and prompting a surge in anti-Muslim sentiment.
European Experiences: Europe, grappling with its own security challenges like the Madrid and London bombings, began to focus on addressing perceived radicalization within Muslim populations. The UK's Prevent initiative, while evolving, became a prime example of the complexities and polarizations that can arise from such policies.
The Global War on Terror: The U.S.-led 'Global War on Terror' further strained relations between Western governments and Muslim populations worldwide. Actions like the Iraq War, the Abu Ghraib scandal, and the Guantanamo Bay detention facility fueled perceptions of a broader 'War on Islam'.

The Obama administration sought to shift away from viewing Islam and Muslims as sources of risk, emphasizing partnership and mutual interests. However, even these efforts inadvertently reinforced a sense of Muslim exceptionalism, defining programs and initiatives specifically in relation to a religious community. This raised questions about whether such approaches were truly effective in addressing underlying geopolitical issues and Muslim Americans watched the rise of Trump with trepidation and fear, debating how to respond.

Recommendations: Towards a More Inclusive Approach

To foster a more inclusive and effective approach, governments must move beyond seeing Muslims solely through the lens of security. This requires recognizing the diversity within Muslim communities, avoiding the adjudication of 'good' vs. 'bad' Islam, and partnering with religious leaders and institutions to address broader societal challenges such as education, governance, and economic growth. Re-evaluating restrictions on Islamic charities and humanitarian efforts and engaging in critical engagement can help address the legitimate grievances felt by many young Muslims while channeling them in more constructive directions.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/15570274.2017.1354466, Alternate LINK

Title: Designating Muslims: Islam In The Western Policy Imagination

Subject: Sociology and Political Science

Journal: The Review of Faith & International Affairs

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Peter Mandaville

Published: 2017-07-03

Everything You Need To Know

How have Western policies shaped the perception of Muslim identity in recent years, and what are the implications?

Western policies, particularly those framed around security concerns like the 'Global War on Terror' and initiatives such as the UK's 'Prevent' initiative, have inadvertently reinforced a sense of 'otherness' among Muslim communities. This 'otherness' affects how both policymakers and the public view Muslim identity, setting Muslim communities apart from the broader population. The implications include increased social divisions, heightened suspicion, and a potential for alienation, which can, in turn, affect community dynamics and security.

In what ways did the perception of Islam in Western foreign policy shift during the 20th century?

Initially, during much of the 20th century, Islamic groups were viewed as potential allies against communism, particularly in regions like North Africa. This perspective shifted dramatically with the Iranian Revolution in 1979, which flooded American media with images of anti-American sentiment and solidified a perception of political Islam as a threat. The September 11th attacks further cemented this shift, linking Islam to direct security risks and prompting a surge in anti-Muslim sentiment.

What role did the 'Global War on Terror' play in the relationship between Western governments and Muslim populations?

The U.S.-led 'Global War on Terror' significantly strained relations between Western governments and Muslim populations worldwide. Actions like the Iraq War, the Abu Ghraib scandal, and the Guantanamo Bay detention facility fueled perceptions of a broader 'War on Islam.' These events contributed to a sense of injustice and alienation among Muslims, complicating efforts to build trust and cooperation. Moreover, they have been used as propaganda by extremist groups to recruit new members.

How did the Obama administration's approach to Islam differ from previous administrations, and what were its shortcomings?

The Obama administration sought to shift away from viewing Islam and Muslims as sources of risk, emphasizing partnership and mutual interests. However, even these efforts inadvertently reinforced a sense of Muslim exceptionalism by defining programs and initiatives specifically in relation to a religious community. This approach raised questions about whether such initiatives were truly effective in addressing underlying geopolitical issues and whether they unintentionally perpetuated a perception of Muslims as a distinct group requiring special attention.

What specific recommendations are proposed to foster a more inclusive and effective approach to Western policy regarding Muslim communities?

To foster a more inclusive and effective approach, it is essential to move beyond seeing Muslims solely through the lens of security. This involves several key steps: recognizing the diversity within Muslim communities, avoiding the adjudication of 'good' versus 'bad' Islam, and partnering with religious leaders and institutions to address broader societal challenges such as education, governance, and economic growth. Additionally, re-evaluating restrictions on Islamic charities and humanitarian efforts and engaging in critical engagement can help address the legitimate grievances felt by many young Muslims while channeling them in more constructive directions. The goal is to integrate Muslim communities into the broader social fabric without reinforcing a sense of 'otherness' or exceptionalism.