Arabization, the victimizer: a constructivist analysis of the role of Arabization in harming social security and social cohesion in Singapore

This research paper aims to highlight the need for state actors to adopt a constructivist approach in dealing with the ongoing construction and proliferation of radical, politicized and polarizing ideologies by non-state actors. It also seeks to engage in a more deliberate and norms-based effort towards plugging such ideological warfare, that effectively targets and mitigates radicalization and misperceptions about Islam amongst Malay-Muslims in Singapore. This research also seeks to empower Malay-Muslims to be more exposed to their perceived Other, which will allow them to gain greater nuance and critical lenses regarding experiences and teachings that they may have imbibed. Given that religion often shapes the values, norms and worldviews of individuals, being able to identify and even counter such nefarious attempts of agitating the Malay-Muslim community against the Other will (1) empower them to know the nuances between politics and religion without acting on illegitimate agendas being advocated for by such non-state actors; (2) Allow for the contextualized and accurate interpretations of religious tenets amongst various demographics within the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore and lastly, (3) serve as a significant model of the appreciation and practice of Islam within the Nusantara region that allows for a strengthening of our social fabric, social security and social cohesion borne out of a sincere and informed appreciation of Islam.Master of Science (International Relations