Conclusion: A European Response?

Political Islam challenges the enlightened democratic states in many ways. It is a challenge to the whole state and society and it must be answered with nationwide and society-wide measures. Understanding this socio-cultural dimension and resisting its forces requires political education, defensible democracy and thus the self-organisation of democratic life. It is also an important task of the security services to keep track of the various afflictions of the Western liberal way of life. It is important to note that while other actors, such as far-right extremist groups, promote extremist and intolerant views in Europe, most Muslims in Europe do not support Political Islam. Indeed, there are many Muslim organisations and individuals who promote a moderate and peaceful interpretation of Islam.