Berlin Youth Organization Rejects Term 'Islamism' in Favor of Neutral Language

The Berlin chapter of the Social Democratic Party's youth wing, the Jusos, has made the decision to cease using the term 'Islamism' in their discussions, opting instead for the phrase 'religiously motivated extremism' that does not reference any specific religion. This resolution was passed during a recent delegates' meeting and has sparked considerable debate both online and offline.

The Jusos argue that the close association between 'Islam' and 'Islamism' contributes to a problematic narrative that unfairly stigmatizes the entire religion and its followers. They contend that this association creates a perception of Islam as inherently negative, leading to a general suspicion directed toward individuals identified as Muslims. Such a dynamic, according to the Jusos, contributes to rising levels of anti-Muslim racism, as individuals within the community feel pressured to distance themselves from extremist factions like Hamas or the Islamic State.

Susanne Schröter, a researcher specializing in Islamism, critiques the Jusos' approach as a misguided attempt to sidestep the complexities of Islamic extremism. Schröter, who heads the Frankfurt Research Center for Global Islam, noted that the actions of the youth organization reflect a common practice among left-leaning groups to obscure the realities of Islamic extremism by altering the language used to describe it. She emphasized that it is crucial to acknowledge the connections between certain extremists and their interpretations of Islam, as these ties are fundamental to understanding the issue.

In response to the backlash, Svenja Diedrich, the co-chair of the Berlin Jusos, suggested that the uproar is exaggerated. She clarified that the intent behind the resolution is to diminish discrimination within the organization, asserting that there is no prohibition against using the term 'Islamism' if individuals choose to do so. The Jusos maintain that while religiously motivated extremism must be challenged, it should be done without perpetuating racial stereotypes or stigmatization.

The resolution emphasizes a commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment within the organization, aiming to eliminate harmful prejudices against Islam. The Jusos state that their approach will apply to all future proposals and discussions within the group.

According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, Islamism is characterized by a goal of establishing an Islamic 'theocratic state' governed by strict adherence to Sharia law, which stands in direct opposition to fundamental democratic principles such as free elections and a dynamic legal framework.

The German Federal Ministry of the Interior defines Islamism as a form of extremism that seeks to dismantle the democratic order, thus contradicting core tenets of the German Constitution, including popular sovereignty, the separation of church and state, freedom of expression, and equality before the law.