Most Muslim-majority countries recognize the dangers of Islamism, and have engaged in measures to stem it

Here’s a list of Muslim-majority countries, grouped by region, with its level of Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance. The Dress Code is included for context in each case.

Out of the total of 21 countries below:

• 8 have a High level of resistance to Islamist radicalism.

• 8 have a Medium level.

• 5 have a Low level.

A moral is that most Muslim-majority countries recognize the dangers of Islamism, and have engaged in measures to stem it.

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Other/Europe-Asia

Turkey

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. Historically a staunchly secular state under Atatürk’s reforms, Turkey has seen increasing Islamist influence under Erdoğan. However, it actively opposes extremist groups like ISIS and PKK-affiliated radicals while tolerating some Islamist-leaning domestic policies.

• Dress Code: Optional. There is no mandatory dress code; women are free to choose their attire, including wearing or not wearing the hijab. Headscarf bans in public institutions were lifted in the early 2000s.

• Social Norms: Lax in urban areas but more conservative in rural regions.

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South Asia

Afghanistan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Low. The Taliban embodies Islamist radicalism, enforces strict Sharia law, and opposes secular governance.

• Dress Code: Mandatory. Women must wear burqas or similar full coverings in public.

Bangladesh

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The government actively cracks down on extremist groups like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen and promotes secular values in governance.

• Dress Code: Optional. No mandatory hijab; modest clothing is culturally encouraged.

Pakistan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. Islamist ideologies influence governance, but the state also combats groups like the TTP.

• Dress Code: Culturally expected. Hijabs or burqas are common, especially in rural areas.

Maldives

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. The government promotes moderate Islam but has struggled with youth radicalization and returning fighters from Syria.

• Dress Code: Optional. Modest dress is encouraged, but there is no requirement to cover the head.

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Middle East

Iran

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Low. The government enforces a strict theocratic system rooted in Sharia law, with harsh penalties for dissent.

• Dress Code: Mandatory. Hijab is legally required for women in public.

Saudi Arabia

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. While Sharia is strictly enforced, recent reforms, such as allowing women to drive and relaxing dress codes, aim to reduce extremism’s grip.

• Dress Code: Relaxed. Modest dress is expected, but the abaya and hijab are no longer legally required.

UAE

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The UAE aggressively counters Islamist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood and promotes moderate governance.

• Dress Code: Optional. Modesty is encouraged, but there is no mandatory dress code.

Jordan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The government opposes extremist groups and has partnered with the West on counterterrorism efforts.

• Dress Code: Optional. Modest dress is culturally preferred, but there are no legal requirements.

Qatar

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. Qatar is accused of supporting some Islamist groups while maintaining ties with Western nations.

• Dress Code: Expected. Women commonly wear the abaya, though expatriates face fewer restrictions.

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Southeast Asia

Indonesia

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The government combats extremist groups while maintaining a secular constitution.

• Dress Code: Optional. Some regions, like Aceh, enforce Sharia-based dress codes, but nationally, there is no mandate.

Malaysia

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. The government balances moderate Islam with Sharia influence in personal laws but faces growing conservatism.

• Dress Code: Optional. Modest dress is culturally expected, but hijab is not mandatory.

Brunei

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Low. The country enforces strict Sharia law and implements harsh penalties for violations.

• Dress Code: Mandatory. Modest dress is required, especially for women.

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Africa

Somalia

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Low. Al-Shabaab controls significant areas, enforcing strict Islamist rule.

• Dress Code: Mandatory. Full coverings are required for women in Al-Shabaab-controlled areas.

Sudan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. The transitional government distanced itself from radical Islamism, but the situation remains fluid.

• Dress Code: Expected. Modest dress is common, with hijab widely worn.

Morocco

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The monarchy opposes Islamist radicalism and promotes a moderate version of Islam.

• Dress Code: Optional. Modest clothing is culturally preferred but not legally enforced.

Algeria

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The government actively opposes Islamist groups and maintains a secular-leaning governance structure.

• Dress Code: Optional. Women have the freedom to dress as they choose.

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Central Asia

Kazakhstan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The government cracks down on radical Islamist groups and maintains a secular constitution.

• Dress Code: Optional. There are no legal dress codes.

Tajikistan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The government has banned Islamic dress in public institutions and actively suppresses Islamist movements.

• Dress Code: Restricted. Hijabs and “black Islamic clothing” are banned in public spaces.

Kyrgyzstan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. Islamist groups exist, but the government takes a secular approach to governance.

• Dress Code: Optional. No national restrictions on clothing.

Uzbekistan

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: High. The government strictly monitors and suppresses Islamist activities.

• Dress Code: Optional. Modest dress is culturally expected but not legally required.

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Adding this here for the record, although not among the 21 mentioned.

Palestine

Gaza Strip

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Low. Gaza is governed by Hamas, an Islamist political and militant organization that enforces strict Sharia-based laws and policies. There is little resistance to radical Islamist ideologies within the governance framework.

• Dress Code: Mandatory. Women are expected to dress modestly, often wearing hijabs or other coverings in public.

West Bank

• Resistance to Islamist Radicalism and Governance Balance: Medium. The Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank with a secular orientation, opposing extremist groups like Hamas. However, Islamist ideologies still influence some segments of society.

• Dress Code: Optional. Women dress modestly, but there is no enforced dress code, and urban areas exhibit more diversity in attire.