Abstract

The author examines causes of Islamic fundamentalism, arguing that domestic social preferences – rather than Western oppression – primarily sustain illiberal practices. Drawing on contemporary commentators (Harris, Žižek, Fallaci, Finkielkraut) and historical analogies, the piece contrasts Islamic and Western concepts of freedom, links religiously sanctioned martyrdom to political violence, and questions whether economic or military superiority ensures civilisational resilience. The analysis critiques reductionist Western narratives that overstate Islam’s revival and highlights how education, equality and institutional development shape moral norms. Concluding that ideas, not merely material power, determine long-term outcomes, the author urges greater attention to internal social dynamics when assessing extremism and East–West asymmetries.