Best of the Spectator Quite right!: where does Islamism come from?
Dec 17, 2025
Michael Gove and Madeline Grant delve into the disturbing rise of anti-Semitic violence, exploring its ideological roots and the West's hesitation to confront them. They discuss the concerning trend of anti-Semitism among various political factions and the pressure on Jewish identity. Additionally, the hosts celebrate Jane Austen’s enduring relevance, questioning her interpretation through a modern lens. Finally, they tackle the elements of a good whodunit, emphasizing the importance of plot twists and satisfying conclusions in mystery narratives.
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Failure To Grasp Root Causes
- Anti-Semitic violence feels unsurprising because society fails to confront its root causes.
- Michael Gove argues understanding origins of Islamism is essential to countering such attacks.
Heroism Amid Attack
- Madeline Grant highlights the heroic action of Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim who disarmed the Bondi attacker.
- She uses his bravery to stress Islamism is a subset of Islam and not representative of all Muslims.
Study Ideological Roots, Not Just Security
- Do study the intellectual roots and thinkers behind Islamism rather than only discussing security measures.
- Michael Gove recommends naming and defining Islamism to enable effective policy responses.