The Clash of Civilizations and the Interaction between Fear and Hatred

Abstract

This paper models conflictive interaction between a West European state and a domestic dissident immigrant Muslim minority group in terms of fear and hatred. The genesis and production of both phenomena are modelled. Identity is crucial and provides the micro-foundations of dissident Muslim behaviour by solving the collective action problem; however, complex multiple identities are possible. Hatred of the West arises both because of the economic disadvantage experienced by Muslims in Europe, as well as historical grievances and contemporary foreign policy deemed to be against the Muslim world. The fear of visible Muslim minorities among the European host population may be partially a result of strident propaganda. The innovations of this paper lie in modelling the interaction between fear (treated like a public good) and hatred (a club good), as well as allowing multiple identities amongst dissidents. Policy implications include creating space allowing Muslim migrants to merge their cultural background with their adopted European identity, and redressing some of the economic disadvantage experienced by Muslims.