Neha Mathur 
(C): Twitter
France has long been at the frontline of combating extremist ideologies that threaten both its national security and its social fabric. While the country has taken decisive steps against radical networks, one of the most complex challenges remains the Muslim Brotherhood. Although it often presents itself as a political and social movement advocating for Muslim communities, extensive research and intelligence findings reveal its deeper role as an incubator of extremist ideology. The Brotherhood’s ambiguous positioning—non-violent in its self-presentation, yet a source of ideological legitimacy for violent jihadist groups—requires France to take the crucial step of designating it as a terrorist organization. Doing so would align national policy with growing European and international consensus while prioritizing the protection of communities vulnerable to exploitation.
The Humanitarian Dimension: Protecting Communities from Exploitation
At the heart of this debate lies a humanitarian concern: the protection of France’s Muslim citizens, many of whom are victims of the Brotherhood’s ideological manipulation. The Brotherhood has built parallel institutions—mosques, schools, cultural associations—that often appear benign but are strategically designed to cultivate a sense of separateness from French society. This strategy preys on the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities, steering them away from integration and exposing them to narratives that glorify jihad or demonize Western values.
By cutting off these recruitment pipelines, France would not only be addressing a national security risk but also fulfilling its responsibility to shield Muslim youth from exploitation. As the United Nations has noted in counter-terrorism initiatives, protecting communities from radical recruiters is as much a humanitarian obligation as it is a security necessity
France’s Domestic Security Context
French intelligence services have consistently warned about the Brotherhood’s role in radicalization. Although not always directly violent, Brotherhood-linked institutions and preachers have legitimized jihadist narratives later adopted by violent actors. For example, research has shown that the ideological lineage of groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS can be traced back to Brotherhood thinkers such as Sayyid Qutb, whose writings continue to circulate in Brotherhood-affiliated circles (Carnegie Endowment).
Moreover, the Brotherhood’s exploitation of democratic laws—particularly its use of the term “Islamophobia” to silence critics—has undermined genuine debates about integration and secularism. This tactic allows the organization to portray itself as the defender of Muslim rights, when in reality it instrumentalizes these rights for political ends. The result has been the erosion of trust between Muslim communities and the wider French society, feeding polarization and weakening social cohesion.
Political and Legal Momentum in France
France already possesses the legal foundation to act decisively. The 2021 “anti-separatism law” strengthened the state’s ability to dissolve associations spreading extremist ideologies. Authorities have since shut down several Brotherhood-linked associations and institutions, including the European Institute of Human Sciences, a major training hub for imams that French officials accused of serving the Brotherhood’s agenda.
Classifying the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization would be the logical culmination of this incremental approach. It would provide stronger legal tools to freeze assets, expel Brotherhood leaders, and prevent the organization from exercising influence over France’s Muslim communities. Importantly, this move has significant public backing: French society, still traumatized by repeated terrorist attacks over the past decade, strongly supports tougher measures against Islamist groups.
European and International Context
France would not be acting in isolation. Austria has already banned the Brotherhood and its symbols, establishing a precedent within the European Union (DW). Beyond Europe, key French partners in the Middle East—including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—have long classified the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Aligning with these allies would strengthen France’s diplomatic hand while reinforcing counter-terrorism cooperation.
A French move could also catalyze a broader EU-level debate about designating the Brotherhood across the continent. This would prevent the organization from relocating its activities to neighboring states and using Europe’s fragmented legal landscape to continue operations. France’s leadership in this domain would demonstrate both strategic foresight and moral clarity.
Strategic Narrative: Separating Religion from Extremism
It is crucial to frame this potential designation not as an attack on Islam, but as a targeted measure against the politicization of religion for extremist ends. The Brotherhood is not representative of the diverse Muslim communities in France. In fact, many Muslims are among its first victims, suffering from its ideological control, social pressure, and stigmatization when they reject its teachings.
By dismantling the Brotherhood’s influence, France would be protecting the right of Muslims to practice their faith free from political manipulation. It would also reaffirm the principle of laïcité—secularism—not as hostility toward religion but as a safeguard for social harmony. The ultimate goal is not exclusion but inclusion, ensuring that Muslim communities thrive as part of France’s democratic fabric.
The evidence is clear: the Muslim Brotherhood is not a benign religious movement but a transnational organization that incubates extremist ideologies, undermines social cohesion, and manipulates vulnerable communities. France, with its history of both Islamist violence and principled defense of secular democracy, cannot afford to tolerate such ambiguity any longer.
Classifying the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization would send a decisive message: France stands with its Muslim citizens against exploitation, with its European partners against extremism, and with its global allies in the fight against terrorism. This step would be a milestone not just in national security policy but in the protection of human dignity and community resilience.
