European Islam and the ‘Identity Challenge’: Exploring the Nexus between Integration Policies and Radicalization

In the past few decades, globalization has led to the erosion of borders and increased interaction between diverse cultures. This rapid and ongoing process has both fostered innovation and generated tensions as different ideas and beliefs intersect and collide. Interestingly, Europe, which historically viewed the rest of the world as its playground, has now become a prominent region in this transitional phase. Rather than being a collection of nations that primarily emigrate, Europe has become a destination for immigration. Consequently, the continent is grappling with new challenges stemming from its closer proximity to the rest of the world. However, the erosion of national identities, coupled with economic insecurity and a massive influx of immigrants, has left several European governments feeling insecure. This led in turn the increasing success of xenophobic far-right movements across the old continent. This internal turmoil has thrust Europe into a fervent debate concerning the essence of European identity. This chapter delves into the intricate "identity challenge" linked with European Islam, drawing upon the insights of scholars such as Nielsen (1999), Roy (2006), and Amghar et al. (2007). It notably emphasizes the varying manifestations of the Europeanization of Islam in two distinct countries: Italy and France. In doing so, it sheds light on how this process intertwines with the social, cultural, and political fabric of the host countries. Ultimately, the overarching goal of this chapter is to elucidate the diverse manifestations of European Islam, ranging from full integration to the dynamics of radicalization, contingent upon its contextual surroundings.