Amidst the bustling events and engagements at the TRENDS Research and Advisory’s pavilion during the Paris International Book Fair 2024, the Center unveiled a pioneering addition aimed at fostering comprehension and challenging misconceptions surrounding political Islam.
This was highlighted in an international symposium held in Paris. Hamid Al Maashani, a Tv Presenter from the Abu Dhabi Media Company, who moderated the session, stressed that the book serves as a key reference for comprehending political Islam, extending tributes to TRENDS for its exceptional efforts in disseminating accurate knowledge on the subject.
The launch of the original French book titled “Dismantling Stereotypes about the Islamism of the Egyptian Brotherhood” marks a qualitative enhancement to the Arabic and French library, aligning with the Center’s commitment to knowledge dissemination and nuanced discourse.
Penned by Dr. Wael Saleh, a seasoned expert on political Islam at TRENDS, alongside Dr. Patrice Brodeur, an associate professor at the University of Montreal in Canada, the book delivers a comprehensive examination of Islamism. Their critical lens addresses 18 prevalent misconceptions within certain Western academic circles, offering a thorough analysis of the phenomenon.
The primary focus of the book lies in unveiling the fallacies inherent in these assumptions and stereotypical notions, revealing their discordance with actuality. Moreover, it endeavors to cultivate a fresh comprehension of Islamism, steering clear of oversimplification and reductionism. Through a systematic deconstruction of stereotypical ideas, the book aims to critique and challenge prevailing narratives. It also undertakes a critical examination of the perspectives of certain Western researchers sympathetic to Islamism. Ultimately, it seeks to spark dialogue and foster greater understanding of Islamism across Arab and Western spheres.
Dr. Wael Saleh, a proficient expert in political Islam at TRENDS, said that the book is the culmination of three years of meticulous research. “It aligns with TRENDS’ commitment to comprehensively dissect and comprehend the phenomenon of Islamism through a scholarly lens, bolstered by previously unpublished documents”.
Additionally, he remarked that the book introduces novel perspectives on comprehending Islamism, diverging from the prevalent trends of oversimplification and reductionism, particularly evident in Western academic circles. By doing so, it illuminates the foundational principles and enduring strategic political objectives of Islamism while alerting to its potential hazards to societies and national stability. These insights are underpinned by robust scientific methodologies, devoid of ideological biases.
Dr. Saleh elaborated that the book notably discredits several prevalent notions, including the belief that Islamism arises in response to the end of the caliphate or as a reaction to modernity’s imposition. Moreover, it challenges the notion of Islamism being compatible with democratic values, coexistence, and tolerance, as well as the assertion that criticism of Islamism equates to Islamophobia. Furthermore, the book refutes the claim that social, economic, and political factors solely drive Islamist violence.
Dr. Patrice Brodeur, an associate professor at the University of Montreal in Canada, underscored the book’s significant scientific contribution to understanding Islamism. He highlighted its critical analysis from a scholarly standpoint, which dismantles stereotypical notions surrounding the phenomenon. According to him, the book not only offers fresh insights into this complex subject but also stimulates cross-cultural discourse in both the Arab and Western worlds.
During the symposium, Professor Michel Younis, General Coordinator of the University Platform for the Study of Islam, highlighted the significance of the book both in education and epistemology. He emphasized its role in challenging stereotypes about the Brotherhood, noting it as the pioneering work in islamism that perfectly bridge a gap in the field. Additionally, he stressed the importance of distinguishing criticism of Islamist ideology from criticism of Islam itself, asserting that criticizing the former does not equate to Islamophobia.
