The Political Appropriation of the Muslim Body Islamophobia, Counter-Terrorism Law and Gender

Drawing upon law, politics, sociology, and gender studies, this volume explores the ways in which the Muslim body is stereotyped, interrogated, appropriated and demonized in Western societies and subject to counter-terror legislation and the suspension of human rights. The author examines the intense scrutiny of Muslim women’s dress and appearance, and their experience of hate crimes, as well as how Muslim men’s bodies are emasculated, effeminized and subjected to torture. Chapters explore a range of issues including Western legislation and foreign policy against the ‘Other’, orientalism, Islamophobia, masculinity, the intersection of gender with nationalism and questions about diversity, inclusion, religious freedom, citizenship and identity.

This text will be of interest to scholars and students across a range of disciplines, including sociology, gender studies, law, politics, cultural studies, international relations, and human rights.

1. Introduction.- 2. Muslim Racialised Tropes – “Orientalism”, Past and Present.- 3. Anti-Muslim Speech.- 4. The “Rule Of Law” and the “War On Terror”.- 5. UK Counter-Terror Measures Surveillance, and the “Muslim Menace”.- 6. US Counter-Terror “Law” and the Chronicles Of Torture.- 7. Discipline And Punish -Muslim Women’s Body and the “Covering” Laws.- 8. Western Complicity in Non-Western Mandated “Covering”.

Susan S.M. Edwards is Professor in Law, Emerita at University of Buckingham and has degrees in law and sociology. She is a barrister, women’s rights activist and campaigner. She has researched and lectured around the world, including in the Middle East.