By Abu Bakr Al-Remeh
Summary:
In a world undergoing rapid and profound transformations, racism has emerged as one of the most dangerous social pandemics threatening societal cohesion and civil peace. This phenomenon is no longer confined to isolated events; it has become a recurring pattern in policies, rhetoric, and institutions. Racism has notably escalated in recent years, particularly in Europe with the rise of far-right parties, and in our troubled region where racist discourse has been used as a political tool to deepen division and maintain power. This paper discusses the rise of racism as a pandemic threatening global peace through the following axes:
Outline:
Introduction
Axis 1: Global Analysis of the Phenomenon
- Europe:
- The Rise of the Far-Right
- Examples from 2025
- The Middle East: Policies and Rhetoric Reinforcing Racism
- Causes of Racism
- Examples from 2025
- Comparative Analysis
- Social Impacts
- Economic Impacts
- Political Impacts
- Proposed Solutions
- Education and Awareness
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- International Legislation
- Cultural and Community Initiatives
- Conclusion and Recommendations
Introduction:
This escalating phenomenon reflects a complex intertwining of economic, political, and cultural factors, in addition to the impact of technology and media, which often promote hate speech directly or indirectly. In Europe, the refugee crisis, the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic challenges have deepened citizens’ sense of insecurity, paving the way for the rise of nationalist and populist rhetoric. In the Middle East, state collapse and the absence of transitional justice have entrenched sectarian and ethnic discrimination, particularly in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
This study aims to analyze racism from a global comparative perspective, by reviewing its causes, monitoring its manifestations and impacts, and highlighting different countries’ experiences in confronting it. It also aims to provide practical, applicable recommendations based on approaches including education, legislation, media, and international cooperation to build a future grounded in values of tolerance, equality, and human justice.
Axis I: Global Analysis of the Phenomenon
Europe: The Rise of the Far-Right
Causes:
Economic Crises: The post-COVID-19 economic fallout and the war in Ukraine have led to higher unemployment and social tensions.
Failure of Integration Policies: Integration programs have failed to meet their objectives, contributing to negative sentiment toward migrants.
Media Influence: The spread of hate speech through media and social networks has further deepened social divisions.
Examples from 2025:
France: The National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, continued to rise in the April 2025 local elections, winning over 30% of votes in rural and industrial regions.
Germany: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved unprecedented progress, ranking second in the elections—a development unseen since World War II.
Netherlands: The Party for Freedom, led by Geert Wilders, has become one of the most influential political forces, maintaining a strong anti-Islam and anti-immigration stance.
Hungary: Viktor Orbán’s government continues its anti-refugee campaigns, backed by state media promoting hate speech.
Middle East: Policies and Rhetoric Reinforcing Racism
Causes of Racism:
Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Ongoing conflicts deepen social and sectarian divisions.
Racist Political Rhetoric: Governments and political powers use sectarian rhetoric to distract from domestic crises.
Examples from 2025:
Lebanon: Hezbollah’s political dominance has entrenched sectarianism, creating a deep rift in Lebanese society.
Syria: After the regime’s collapse, sectarian tensions escalated as a result of the former regime’s divisive policies.
Iraq: Minorities continue to face political and social marginalization despite promises of reform. Sectarian incitement increased after Islamists rose to power in Syria, fueling hostility against Sunnis in Iraq.
Comparative Analysis
Racism and intolerance have become political and media tools that intensify divisions and increase the risk of internal conflict, requiring urgent action to address their root causes.
Part II: Consequences of Rising Racism
1. Social Impacts
- Undermining Social Cohesion:Social divisions have intensified. In Europe, this has manifested in violent protests, while in the Middle East, sectarian conflict has become part of daily life in countries like Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria.
- Spread of Societal Violence:According to Amnesty International’s 2025 report, racist attacks in Europe rose by 25% since 2020. In the Middle East, sectarian violence increased, especially in Iraq following rising sectarian rhetoric linked to political shifts in Syria.
2. Economic Impacts
- Marginalization of Talent:Racial and sectarian discrimination has excluded wide segments of society from the labor market, leading to significant economic losses. The World Bank’s 2025 report notes that such discrimination has cost affected countries up to 18% of their annual productivity.
- Brain Drain:Skilled individuals are increasingly leaving countries suffering from discrimination—such as Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq—in search of better opportunities and more stable lives in Europe, Canada, and Australia.
3. Political Impacts
- Strengthening Authoritarian and Sectarian Regimes:Political parties and powers have used racism and sectarianism to rally support, enabling the rise or continuation of authoritarian or sectarian regimes—as seen with Hungary’s current government and sectarian parties in Lebanon and Iraq.
- Strained International Relations:Rising racism has caused diplomatic tensions, particularly between EU countries and the Middle East and North Africa region due to migration and refugee policies.
Part III: Proposed Solutions
1. Education and Awareness
- Integrating Tolerance in Education:Develop global curricula that promote principles of tolerance, diversity, and respect for others—with support from UNESCO and other international organizations.
- International Media Campaigns:Launch global awareness campaigns through social media and major media platforms to highlight the dangers of racism and encourage intercultural dialogue.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility
- Minority Inclusion Programs:Encourage major global companies such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft to launch initiatives and training programs targeting minorities and migrants, offering them equal employment opportunities.
3. International Legislation
- Creating a Global Legal Framework Against Racism:Propose strict international laws that criminalize racism and hate speech, with clear penalties for non-compliant states.
- Establishing Specialized International Courts:Support the United Nations in creating courts dedicated to racism cases, similar to war crimes tribunals.
4. Community and Cultural Initiatives
- Global Conferences and Marches:Organize international conferences and marches bringing together diverse ethnic and religious communities to exchange experiences and promote understanding.
- Using Art and Media:Support the production of artistic works (documentaries, music, theater) aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of racism and promoting tolerance.
Part IV: Conclusion and Recommendations
Racism is intensifying in a way that threatens the future of human societies and state stability. Addressing it is not the responsibility of any single individual or government—it requires collective international effort at all levels.
Strategic Recommendations:
- Activate International Cooperation:Strengthen partnerships among the UN, the EU, and the African Union to monitor the implementation of anti-racism agreements.
- Global Racism Observatory:Establish an independent global body tasked with continuously monitoring racism and issuing periodic reports to support international policymaking.
- Positive Role of Media:Encourage international media to highlight success stories in diversity and tolerance, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
- Launch an International Day Against Racism:Designate a unified global day to raise awareness and launch new initiatives aimed at combating racism.
In Conclusion: Racism is a global challenge that can only be addressed through unified efforts and a shared commitment to diversity and human rights.
Tolerance and diversity are the foundations of strength and stability in any society. Building a tolerant world requires the participation of all. “Diversity is what makes us unique. Tolerance is what makes us strong.”
