In a striking discussion on “Centre Stage,” Professor Olivier Gu, a leading scholar on orientalism and political Islam, has ignited a firestorm of debate over the West’s perception of the East. The urgent discourse touches on the deep-seated implications of orientalism, revealing how outdated narratives continue to shape contemporary policies towards Muslim societies. Gu argues that the Western idea of progress is often conflated with secularization, a misguided belief that has historically justified colonial interventions.

As the world watches the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Gu warns that the rhetoric surrounding human rights remains steeped in a colonial mindset, where Western powers dictate moral standards while ignoring their own failings. He highlights a troubling trend: the West’s portrayal of Islam as a monolithic threat, a narrative that fuels discrimination and exclusion within Western societies. This urgent conversation raises critical questions about the future of democracy and inclusion in the face of rising populism and identity politics.

Gu asserts that the clash of civilizations is not an inherent conflict between cultures, but rather a struggle over principles—between the ideals of inclusion and the forces of exclusion. He emphasizes that the current political landscape is marked by a dangerous shift towards nationalism, where the voices of immigrants and Muslims are marginalized in favor of a narrow definition of identity.

As tensions escalate globally, this dialogue serves as a clarion call for introspection within Western societies, urging a reevaluation of their own principles and practices. The stakes have never been higher as the world grapples with the consequences of these entrenched narratives. The implications of Gu’s insights resonate far beyond academia—they challenge us to confront the realities of our interconnected world and the urgent need for a more inclusive future.