How is religion misused for political gain in ethnonationalism?

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Religion is Misused for Political Gain in Ethnonationalism by Appealing to Fear and Questioning Privileges

Religion is frequently weaponised within ethnonationalist rhetoric to achieve political objectives, often by fostering a sense of fear and by framing any challenge to the majority's privileges as an attack. This strategy aims to consolidate power by manipulating religious sentiment, rather than through genuine adherence to religious principles. Historical examples, such as the Umayyads, illustrate how religious frameworks have been historically employed as a political tool to secure and maintain authority, often leading to despotic rule.
Religion Used to Obscure Persecution and Justify Actions

The manipulation of religion in ethnonationalism often serves to deflect criticism and rationalise actions that might otherwise be condemned. For instance, when concerns are raised about potential discrimination or violence against minority groups, proponents of ethnonationalism may invoke the supposed inherent fairness of a Muslim country, as mentioned in discussions about ethnonationalism. This argument is used to counter accusations of persecution, suggesting that such atrocities are only committed by non-Muslim nations. However, this claim often overlooks human rights issues present in some self-proclaimed Islamic nations, demonstrating a selective use of religious identity for political advantage.
Fear of Losing Privileges Fuels Religious-Political Alignment

A significant aspect of this misuse involves creating an environment where questioning the established privileges of the dominant group is perceived as an insult or a threat, thereby leveraging religious identity to suppress dissent. Individuals who voice concerns or advocate for equality may be met with accusations of disrespecting Islam or the Malay identity, as highlighted by common arguments encountered. This fear-mongering tactic suggests that any challenge to the status quo, particularly concerning the privileges of the majority, could incite unrest or riots, thereby using the potential for social upheaval as a deterrent against calls for equitable treatment.
Historical Precedents of Religion as a Political Tool

The practice of co-opting religion for political power is not a recent phenomenon. Historically, religious institutions and narratives have been instrumentalised to consolidate authority and shape national identity. The article cites the Umayyads as a historical example of how religion can be used as a potent political instrument to attain power. This historical precedent underscores the long-standing tendency to intertwine religious ideology with political ambition, often leading to systems where religious justifications are used to legitimise political power and control, as seen in their infamous despotism.

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How is religion misused for political gain in ethnonationalism?

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