Farid Shafiyev: Islamophobia is geopolitical threat

Islamophobia is not just a personal hatred, but a geopolitical threat, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Center of the Analysis of International Relations, said at an international scientific conference themed "Islamophobia in the Spotlight: Exposing Prejudice, Destroying Stigma," held in Baku, Report informs.

"This is what causes conflict and terrorism on a global scale. Azerbaijan is completely against the activities of radical groups. We must continue our efforts for peace," Shafiyev said.

Shafiyev noted that there is a rise in cases of Islamophobia and an expansion of state-level pressure and discriminatory activities against Muslim communities.

According to him, the rise of far-right political forces in Europe is leading to measures that restrict Islamic traditions, which they often try to cover up under the pretext of promoting "assimilation" or "integration":

"National discourses are increasingly dominated by populist rhetoric that targets Muslims and equates their religious identity with extremism. The rise in inflammatory rhetoric and hate crimes in South Asia suggests that state-sponsored anti-Muslim nationalism is a worrying trend. And it is being justified by narratives of cultural homogeneity."

Shafiyev emphasized that Islamophobia poses a serious threat to global stability and unity, undermining international security and cooperation.