Challenging Western-liberal democracy: The rise of right-wing populist movements and the (radical) Islam

Our current research project focuses on the connection between the rise of right-wing populist movements and the (radical) Islam and, as a result, the effects on western-liberal democracy. Existing studies have so far not systematically taken into account the question of whether, how, under what conditions the overall public discourse has changed due to the populist interpretation and linkage of national identity, (Muslim) migration and Islam. To what extent the accelerated process of medialization of politics, the strategic use of modern mass media by populists and the functional logic of the media themselves shape the current image of Islam is to be examined here for the first time in a European comparison of countries and times. The aim of our contribution to the panel is to ask more closely about the influence and role of established religious actors (churches, etc.) and appearance of narratives related to Christian traditions in discourse. Accordingly, we discuss central theoretical approaches and assumptions, e.g. that in the context of the discussion process normalization of intolerance and devaluation towards Muslim immigrants is institutionalized, fear of (radical) Islam is emphasized and that the argumentation patterns and demands of populists will also be adopted by established parties.