Overview

• On June 11, the University of Münster unveiled findings that 20% of 1,887 surveyed Muslims with migration backgrounds report feeling hurt or discriminated in Germany.
• Eleven percent of those experiencing resentment said they might use violence to achieve social change, highlighting potential pathways to radicalization.
• Researchers emphasized that emotional grievances do not inevitably lead to extremism but can increase openness to anti-Western and antisemitic narratives.
• Islamist groups have tapped into these hurt sentiments on social media, portraying Muslims as victims to recruit and radicalize supporters.
• To counteract exclusion, study authors recommend fostering positive representations of Muslim life through expanded religious education, community outreach and social media projects.