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Yesterday’s Budapest Lecture event a thought-provoking discussion on The Brotherhood and Its Networks: Secular Society Under Siege. Florence Bergeaud-Blackler, an esteemed anthropologist and author of the bestselling book Brotherism and Its Networks: An Investigation, captivated the audience with her insights. The event was moderated by Rodrigo Ballester, Head of the Center for European Studies at MCC.
Rodrigo Ballester opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of tackling the issues surrounding the Muslim Brotherhood. He praised Bergeaud-Blackler for her ability to blend academic rigor with courage, shedding light on the Brotherhood's global influence and ambitious vision.
Bergeaud-Blackler introduced the concept of "Brotherism," which she defined as a transnational network striving to establish a global caliphate. She explained that while the Brotherhood’s members may appear warm and welcoming, their ultimate goal undermines secularism and democracy. Their ideology is based on the belief that governance and life should strictly adhere to Quranic teachings, positioning them in opposition to democratic principles.
The anthropologist highlighted that the Brotherhood’s approach avoids confrontation. Instead, they use gradual cultural adaptation to reshape societies, aligning them with Sharia law through persuasion and acceptance. She noted that their belief system views Islam as more universal than human rights, which serves as the foundation of their activities.
During the discussion, Bergeaud-Blackler elaborated on the Brotherhood’s extensive transnational network, encompassing numerous organizations that disseminate their ideology. She pointed out that regions with significant political power, like Brussels, are particularly vulnerable to their influence. “Brussels and Belgium are likely to find it easier to become part of a caliphate,” she warned.
The speaker also addressed the Brotherhood’s ties to Hamas, revealing their involvement in campaigns such as "Free Palestine" and their support for Hamas’s operations. She described how the Brotherhood promotes antisemitic ideologies and opposes the existence of Israel, further demonstrating their ideological reach.
Rodrigo Ballester posed critical questions about the legality and dangers of the Brotherhood’s activities. Bergeaud-Blackler clarified that, while they often operate legally, their ideological goals undermine democratic values. With approximately 9 million Muslims in France alone, she stressed their significant cultural and political impact, particularly in fostering antisemitism and driving Jewish emigration to Israel.
