Bridge Initiative

The Bridge Initiative is a multi-year research project on Islamophobia housed in Georgetown University

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Bridge Initiative Research Publications Politics

Displaying Research Topic: Politics

Article

19 Feb 2026 | Politics

Islamophobia takes center stage in the Lone Star State

In November 2025, Governor Greg Abbot called for an official investigation into so-called “Sharia courts”. No such courts exist, but factual information has never been the top priority in American politics. There are however, as Lawyer Faisal Kutty points out, “voluntary Muslim mediation panels operating under the same framework used by Jewish beth din courts and Christian arbitration services.” read the complete article

Article

09 Sep 2025 | Policy/Law

Pride or Prejudice? The English Flag and the Racialization of Belonging

In recent weeks, there has been a visible resurgence of national symbols across the United Kingdom, particularly the Union Jack and the English flag bearing Saint George's Cross. These flags have been hoisted from lampposts, draped over bridges, and even painted onto roundabouts. While some describe this grassroots movement as an expression of national pride, the displaying of these flags has also been closely associated with anti-migrant and anti-Muslim hostility. read the complete article

Article

14 Jul 2025 | Individuals

When a Win Sparks Hate: Islamophobia After Mamdani’s Victory

Zohran Mamdani has made history as the first Muslim to become the Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor. The democratic socialist’s campaign centered on a bold progressive vision aimed at making New York City more affordable, including proposals to provide free bus service and childcare, implement a rent freeze, and increase taxes on wealthy corporations. Mamdani succeeded in mobilizing broad grassroots support, ultimately defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—long considered a political heavyweight. read the complete article

Article

27 Mar 2025 | Policy/Law

Silencing Dissent: The Islamophobia Industry’s Assault on Academic Freedom

In 2025, The Bridge Initiative marks ten years since its launch. Founded by world-renowned Islamic studies scholar Dr. John L. Esposito, the project, housed under the Al-Waleed Center for Muslim Christian Understanding (ACMCU) at Georgetown University, was created in response to the urgent need for a reliable source on Islamophobia. As the issue grew in the United States, Bridge was established with a clear mission: to study, analyze, and provide the public with resources on Islamophobia—how it manifests and the often-devastating consequences it brings to individuals and society. read the complete article

Editorial

09 Jan 2025 | Politics

Reflections on Interfaith Relations: A Decade After My Time as Allianz Visiting Professor at LMU: A Journey of Cultural Exchange

In the fall of 2013, I arrived in Germany as the Allianz Visiting Professor for Islamic Studies at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), a role that marked a significant milestone in my academic career. This position, endowed by Allianz AG, was part of a continuing guest professorship for Jewish and Islamic Studies, aimed at bringing internationally renowned scholars to Munich to foster intercultural and inter-religious understanding. (Allianz Gastprofessur | Freunde islamischer Kunst) read the complete article