Liberal Islamophobia

A phenomenon in which liberal or progressive actors and institutions condemn overt anti-Muslim rhetoric (“Islam-bashing”) while simultaneously championing policies and programs—such as surveillance, informant recruitment, and security measures—that target and harm Muslim communities. It is characterized as a gentler, ostensibly anti-racist form of Islamophobia that nevertheless enacts racist and imperialist policies against Muslims at home and abroad.

Claims that use this term

• Liberal Islamophobia condemns Islam-bashing while championing programs that target Muslims
• Liberal Islamophobia rejects Islam-bashing while enacting policies that target Muslims
• Liberal Islamophobia is racist and imperialist despite its gentler rhetoric
• Liberal Islamophobia under Obama worsened conditions for Muslims at home and abroad
• Liberal Islamophobia recruits Muslims into an informant system in exchange for inclusion.