Abstract
This edited collection explores the relationship between the rise of extremism and freedom of expression in eight countries predominantly with a Muslim majority population. The editors explain that the volume has emerged from a series of conferences on freedom of expression, extremism and inequalities. The book includes chapters by 21 writers from nine countries, seven of whom are journalists. It is targeted at journalism students, journalists and ‘others who need to navigate in a world in which both extremists and authoritarian states may stifle gender and minority rights, as well as the right to report and express oneself freely’ (blurb). The book is split into three main parts. Part I, ‘Extremism and the Media – Shifting Sands’, comprises seven chapters covering a range of topics, contexts and perspectives, such as the personal account of a correspondent who befriended an IS extremist who later blew himself up; ISIS media strategies; extremist recruitment on social media and a few chapters exploring specific contexts – Indonesia, Tunisia and Bangladesh. Part II, ‘Freedom of Expression and New Challenges’, consists of eight chapters mainly exploring pertinent issues in relation to suppression of press freedom in a few countries: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Afghanistan, Norway, Tunisia and Indonesia. Part III, ‘The Changing Shades of Global Diversities’, includes five chapters: on gendered, sexualised and ethnicised clashes in Turkey’s media; diversities and media discrimination in Indonesia; the personal account of a journalist who grew up in a Norwegian town with no immigrants; the experience of journalists – refugees and a final chapter on the relationship between globalisation, citizenship and diversity. While offering interesting perspectives from a range of contexts, the book lacks somehow in coherence and theoretical rigour.