Publication: "French Populism and Discourses on Secularism",

Summary: 
Per-Erik Nilsson takes a religious studies approach to analyse the intersections of secularism, nationhood and populism in contemporary France. This book provides insight into the French and European radical-nationalist ideology and activism, and contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between religion and the state in contemporary Europe and beyond.

Reviews: 
“In this in-depth dissection of an important French identitarian far-right movement, Per-
Erik Nilsson gives us a clear insight into how these anti-Muslim activists, misleadingly
claiming to work in the cause of secularism, argue and mobilize in their frightening
attempt to carry out a religious cleansing of France. –  John R. Bowen, Dunbar-Van Cleve Professor in Arts & Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, USA, and author of On British Islam (2006) and Can Islam be French? (2009).

“This timely book is a must-read for those interested in (and concerned by) how laïcité has been mobilized for nationalist, racist and xenophobic ends. Why laïcité and why now? Scholars in a diverse range of fields will find answers in this empirically and theoretically rich monograph. ” -Jennifer A. Selby, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, and author of Questioning French Secularism (2012).

(The second edition has hit the shelves and is now available for a reasonable price).