This special issue of the ReOrient journal will engage with the phenomenon of Muslims in the manosphere and the various speech acts of Muslims in online spaces who are demonstrating affinity with the alt-right in a shared defence of masculinity. Breaking away from the news cycle dominated by controversial figures, we investigate what can be understood about iterations of Islamicate masculinities in the broader context of colonial occupations, mass incarcerations and the global institutionalisation of Islamophobia. The presence of Muslims in the manosphere is the result of a complex political configuration with seemingly competing ideological forces, therefore tracing where and why it converges and diverges with wider trends in the West’s culture war requires urgent study. How do we make sense of these defensive scenes of engagement, collaboration, or even collusion?

This special issue invites submissions from both emerging and established scholars to contribute critical and innovative perspectives to the significant topic of Muslims in the manosphere. Submissions can be theoretical, conceptual and/or substantive. Contributions are welcome from any geographical region.

The following are not an exhaustive list of themes we would like to see submissions fall under:

• Race and Muslim masculinity

• The war on terror and Muslims in the manosphere

• Conspiracy theories and the crisis of Muslim masculinity

• Men’s rights activism and the Muslim family 

• Colonialism, decoloniality and today’s ‘crisis’ of Muslim masculinity

Abstract Submission Deadline Date:  31st May 2023