The Thinking Muslim cover image

The Thinking Muslim

Why Europe has a Muslim Problem? With Mehreen Khan

Dec 20, 2024
Mehreen Khan, the Economics editor at the Times and former Brussels correspondent for the Financial Times, dives deep into the challenges faced by Muslims in Europe. She critiques the concept of 'Euro-whiteness' and how it affects migrant integration. The discussion highlights France's shift from inclusivity to exclusion regarding Muslims and explores state-sanctioned Islam in response to terrorism. Mehreen also examines the EU's failures and the rising influence of far-right politics, painting a complex picture of identity, nationalism, and media biases.
01:01:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The concept of Euro-whiteness highlights how European identity is constructed against Muslims, often marginalizing their contributions to civilization.
  • Institutional Islamophobia is reflected in legislation like workplace neutrality rulings that complicate the public presence of Muslim identities, such as hijab-wearing.

Deep dives

The Concept of Euro-Whiteness

Euro-whiteness is described as a civilizational identity that often marginalizes Muslims within European discourse. This concept has evolved since around 2016 during the migration crisis, where Europe began tightening its borders against non-white migrants. The discourse around migrants became laden with fears of cultural dilution and economic threat, leading to a prevalent view that associates migration from Muslim-majority countries with danger. The reality of Euro-whiteness reflects a historical animosity that has shaped European political identity and public perception, often viewing Muslims as an existential threat.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode