Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism studies: review and prospect

In this paper, we review work about Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism in ethnic and racial studies–and in neighbouring disciplines–identifying key trends in research. In particular, we draw attention to important work focusing on genealogies and definitions of Islamophobia, on the importance of racialisation and on the location of Islamophobia. In proposing an agenda for future scholarship, we focus on the potential to advance research about intersectional Islamophobia, the role and impact of digital Islamophobia and AI, the function and power of the Islamophobia industry and the global Islamophobia industrial complex, as well as the need for research to understand the role of conspiracy theories and Islamophobic narratives. We conclude by emphasising the importance of paying attention to racialisation and foregrounding the lived experiences of those who experience Islamophobia.