The Politics of Phobia in the West: and the Response of Pakistan

Abstract

This article delves into the historical backdrop of Islamophobia and the pervasive fear of Islam in the Western world, exploring the associated misconceptions and hostile attitudes. When examining the roots of this fear and prejudice, it becomes evident that the Crusades played a pivotal role, though events in the twentieth century further contributed to its exacerbation. In the contemporary era, the aftermath of the 9/11 incident intensified this negative sentiment. Anti-Islamic sentiment manifests not solely in the beliefs of ordinary Western individuals but also within the institutions of Western states. This collective societal and governmental mindset often translates into efforts to foment political and economic unrest in numerous Muslim-majority countries. This article aims to address the prevalent lack of trust between the Western world and Islam and seeks to propose solutions that are mutually applicable to both the Western world and the Islamic world.