America at the Crossroads: Race, Islam and Leadership
By Akbar S. Ahmed
Beacon Books
ISBN: 978-1-916955-61-5
174pp.

Academic and former diplomat Akbar S. Ahmed’s latest book, America at the Crossroads: Race, Islam, and Leadership, dwells upon an identity crisis that is permeating into the American polity. Serving as the Distinguished Professor and Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at the American University in Washington DC, Ahmed discusses how American identity has changed over time, and how American-Muslims relate to it.

According to Ahmed, the primordial identity of America was shaped by the earliest settlers from Europe: white in colour, English in language, and Protestant in faith. Over time, emerged a pluralist identity of America that embraced tolerance for diversity of race and religion, with respect for fundamental human rights. For much of modern American history, it is the pluralist identity that has come to define America. However, of late, a predator identity is taking roots, represented most vividly by Trump’s anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant messaging and policies.

Ahmed argues in the book that the only enduring identity of America is the pluralist identity, which is resilient and deeply rooted. He recalls that American founding fathers, particularly George Washington and Thomas Jeffersen, did envisage enough space in America for Muslims and other religious minorities. They believed in a culture of tolerance, decent behaviour and mutual respect.

While recognising the winds of change sweeping the American polity........

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