Prey

1. Mass Migration Linked to Increased Sexual Violence.

In 2015 alone, close to 2 million people, mainly men, arrived in western Europe from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Nigeria, and other countries with large Muslim populations.

A significant influx. Europe experienced a large wave of migration, particularly in 2015-2016, with millions arriving, predominantly young men from Muslim-majority countries. This influx followed earlier waves of guest workers and asylum seekers, but its scale and demographic composition were notable. The majority came from conflict zones or countries with political instability.

Statistical correlations. While official statistics are often difficult to interpret and compare across countries, data from some nations like Austria, Denmark, and Germany show a disproportionate representation of non-citizens or asylum seekers among suspects in sexual violence cases, particularly after 2015. For example:

• In Austria (2018), over half of rape suspects were non-citizens.
• In Denmark, non-Western immigrants and descendants account for a high share of sex offense convictions.
• In Germany (2018), asylum seekers made up nearly 12% of sex crime suspects, despite being a small fraction of the population.

Beyond the numbers. These statistics, though imperfect, suggest a correlation between the increase in migration from certain regions and a rise in sexual violence in host countries. While not all migrants are offenders, a minority's behavior has had a noticeable impact on crime rates in specific categories and locations.

2. European Women's Safety Is Being Eroded.

Walking in certain neighborhoods in Brussels, London, Paris, or Stockholm, you suddenly notice that only men are visible.

Changing public spaces. In some European neighborhoods, particularly those with low incomes and large immigrant populations, women are becoming less visible in public spaces like streets, parks, and cafes. This isn't formal segregation but a result of women feeling uncomfortable, vulnerable, and harassed. The feeling of discomfort is enough to make women avoid certain areas.

Increased harassment. Women across Europe report increased instances of sexual harassment, ranging from verbal abuse and catcalling to groping and being followed. This harassment often occurs openly in public places, and the perpetrators are frequently described as young immigrant men. This phenomenon is eroding the sense of safety women once took for granted.

Adapting behavior. In response to this perceived threat, many women are changing their daily routines and habits. They are:

• Avoiding certain neighborhoods or public transport lines.
• Making detours or postponing walks.
• Being more guarded and less spontaneous.
• Carrying self-defense items like pepper spray.
• Some public spaces, like swimming pools, have even introduced security measures or gender segregation.

3. The Establishment Is Deeply in Denial.

Authorities understate the incidence of assaults and harassment of women.

A conspiracy of silence. European authorities, politicians, media, and even some feminists are accused of downplaying or denying the link between increased migration and sexual violence. This is often done to avoid accusations of racism or xenophobia, or to protect political agendas. The fear of being labeled "racist" creates a powerful taboo.

Excuses and rationalizations. Various narratives are used to dismiss or minimize the problem:

• The brush-off: Claiming incidents are isolated or statistics are misleading.
• Misdirection: Universalizing sexual violence ("all men are rapists") to avoid focusing on specific groups.
• Semantic muddle: Avoiding mentioning the ethnicity or migration status of perpetrators in reports.
• Bogus research: Producing studies that downplay the link between migration and crime.

Ignoring the evidence. Despite anecdotal accounts, victim testimony, and statistical correlations in some countries, many in the establishment refuse to acknowledge the problem's specific cultural dimension. This denial leaves victims feeling unheard and unprotected, while preventing honest discussion and effective solutions.

4. Denial Empowers Populists and Islamists.

This conspiracy of silence, or at least of understatement, has had predictable beneficiaries: none other than the right-wing populists...

Fueling the extremes. By refusing to address legitimate public concerns about immigration and its social consequences, the European establishment inadvertently creates a vacuum filled by extremist groups. Right-wing populists gain support precisely because they are willing to talk about issues that mainstream politicians avoid.

Political gains. Populist parties across Europe have seen a significant rise in popularity since 2015, often campaigning heavily on anti-immigration platforms. While not all voters for these parties are xenophobic, their concerns about security, cultural change, and the perceived failure of integration resonate widely. This forces mainstream parties to adopt tougher stances on immigration to regain voters.

Islamist exploitation. Simultaneously, Islamists exploit the situation by portraying Muslims as victims of Western discrimination and Islamophobia. They use the establishment's reluctance to criticize illiberal cultural practices as proof that Western values are weak and that Muslims should adhere more strictly to their own norms, including those that subordinate women. This dynamic reinforces segregation and hinders integration.

5. Cultural Attitudes Drive Misogynistic Behavior.

The overwhelming majority of these young men have arrived from countries where women are not regarded as equals or near equals, as they are in Europe.

Different norms. Many recent migrants come from societies with vastly different attitudes towards women compared to Western Europe. These are often patriarchal cultures where gender segregation is common, women's roles are restricted, and their physical autonomy and sexual self-determination are not respected. These norms are deeply ingrained from childhood.

Encountering Western culture. The stark contrast between these traditional values and the sexually liberated, egalitarian culture of the West can be disorienting for new arrivals. Seeing women dressed freely, moving independently, and interacting with men on equal terms can challenge deeply held beliefs and create conflict. This cultural clash is a significant factor in understanding some migrants' behavior.

Misinterpreting freedom. In cultures where women's bodies are often seen as sources of temptation or shame, and where women's public presence is limited, Western women's freedom can be misinterpreted. Instead of seeing independence and equality, some men may view Western women as immodest or "available," reinforcing predatory attitudes learned in their home countries. This is exacerbated by exposure to Western pornography and media that can confirm negative stereotypes.

6. The Modesty Doctrine and Polygamy's Legacy.

In these societies there is another overarching category of women: the immodest.

Controlling female sexuality. Many Muslim-majority societies operate under a "modesty doctrine" where women are expected to cover their bodies and restrict their movements to avoid arousing men. Women are categorized (virgins, married, divorced, widows) and expected to uphold strict norms. Those who do are "protected" by male relatives; those who don't are deemed "immodest" and may be seen as fair game for harassment or assault.

Polygamy's social impact. The historical and ongoing practice of polygamy in many of these cultures contributes to the commodification of women. When wealthy or high-status men can marry multiple wives, it creates a scarcity of marriageable women, particularly for younger, poorer men. This can lead to sexual frustration and competition, potentially increasing aggression and violence towards women.

Religious justification. Islamic law, as interpreted in many traditional schools, formalizes the subordination of women and insists on male guardianship. Passages in the Quran and Hadith are cited to justify practices that limit women's rights, control their bodies, and restrict their freedom. This religious framework provides a powerful justification for patriarchal control and misogynistic attitudes.

7. Integration Policies Have Largely Failed.

For a significant number of migrants from Muslim countries, as we shall see, the values have not rubbed off.

Unmet expectations. European policy makers initially assumed that immigrants would quickly assimilate, adopting Western values and integrating into the labor market. However, for a significant number of Muslim immigrants, particularly those from more traditional backgrounds, this has not happened as expected. Many retain illiberal values regarding women and social norms.

Poor outcomes. Decades of experience show persistently high unemployment rates and welfare dependency among many Muslim immigrant communities in Europe, especially for women. This is often attributed to low education, poor language skills, and discrimination, but cultural factors, such as attitudes towards women working or mixing with men, also play a significant role.

Intergenerational challenges. The failure of integration is not limited to the first generation. In some communities, children and grandchildren of immigrants also struggle with integration, sometimes adhering more strictly to conservative religious interpretations than their parents. This creates a cycle where illiberal values and social isolation are passed down, hindering adaptation to Western society.

8. Parallel Societies Undermine Liberal Norms.

Aggravating Europe’s integration failures is the emergence of “parallel societies.”

Segregated communities. In many European cities, immigrants and their descendants have clustered together, forming neighborhoods that function as "parallel societies." These areas are often characterized by ethnic and religious homogeneity, where residents may primarily speak their native language, socialize within their own group, and adhere to cultural norms from their country of origin.

Weakening the rule of law. In some of these segregated areas, the authority of the state and the rule of law are challenged. Criminal gangs and religious leaders may exert influence, and residents may be less likely to cooperate with police or adhere to national laws, particularly those concerning women's rights or social behavior. This creates "no-go zones" where public services are difficult to deliver safely.

Social consequences. Parallel societies lead to poor social outcomes, including low educational attainment, high unemployment, and increased crime rates. They also perpetuate cultural norms that are incompatible with liberal values, such as gender segregation, social control of women, and resistance to integration. This isolation hinders opportunities for both immigrants and the wider society.

9. The Rule of Law Is Not Being Enforced.

With the European governments having lost control of the asylum system, it falls on the police and social services to manage the fallout.

Lax enforcement. European justice systems are criticized for being too lenient towards migrant offenders, particularly in cases of sexual violence. Reasons include:

• Overloaded courts and police resources.
• Difficulty identifying and prosecuting perpetrators, especially in group attacks.
• Judges making allowances for cultural differences or perpetrators' backgrounds.
• Fear of appearing racist leading authorities to downplay crimes or avoid prosecution.

Low conviction rates. Despite a rise in reported sexual assaults, the proportion of cases leading to conviction remains low. Many cases are dropped due to insufficient evidence, victims withdrawing complaints (often fearing reprisal or the legal process), or perpetrators fleeing. This lack of accountability emboldens offenders.

Deportation failures. Even when migrants are convicted of crimes or have their asylum applications rejected, deportation orders are often not carried out. Reasons include:

• Perpetrators going into hiding.
• Lack of documentation or refusal of home countries to accept returnees.
• Complex legal challenges and international conventions.
• Well-meaning citizens or activists obstructing deportations.

10. Victim-Blaming and Retreat from Public Space.

Rather than policing the behavior of men, their approach favors restricting the freedom of women.

Shifting responsibility. Instead of focusing solely on apprehending and punishing perpetrators, some authorities and institutions have suggested that women should modify their behavior or dress to avoid becoming targets. This approach effectively blames victims for the attacks they suffer and places the burden of safety on women rather than on law enforcement.

Examples of victim-blaming advice:

• School headmasters advising girls to dress modestly to avoid provoking refugees.
• Police suggesting women jog in pairs or avoid being out alone at night.
• Municipal authorities distributing brochures warning men not to grope women, implying the problem is women's presence.

Consequences for women. This victim-blaming mentality, combined with the actual increase in harassment and violence, forces women to restrict their freedom of movement and retreat from public spaces. This is a significant rollback of the hard-won liberties that Western women have achieved over centuries, mirroring the restrictions faced by women in many of the migrants' home countries.

11. The "Integration Industry" Hinders Real Progress.

Pumping billions in public funds into solving a seemingly unsolvable social problem has created a new tier of rent seekers whose failures are self-perpetuating.

Perverse incentives. A vast network of government agencies, NGOs, charities, consultants, and service providers has developed around the issue of immigrant integration. While some actors are genuinely altruistic, the system as a whole has perverse incentives: its existence and funding depend on the problem of integration persisting, not being solved.

Ineffective spending. Billions of euros are spent annually on integration programs, including language classes, cultural orientation, and job training. However, these programs often fail to achieve meaningful integration outcomes, particularly in terms of employment and cultural adaptation. Evaluations frequently show poor results, yet funding continues, often benefiting the administrative costs and personnel of the organizations involved.

Ignoring core issues. Many within the "integration industry" avoid addressing the fundamental cultural and religious values that hinder integration, such as patriarchal attitudes towards women or resistance to secular norms. They may prioritize cultural sensitivity over promoting liberal values, fearing accusations of intolerance. This prevents effective interventions and perpetuates the cycle of failed integration.

12. A New Approach Is Needed to Defend Liberalism.

If European leaders continue to stick their heads in the sand, then I believe that within a decade or two there will be a meaningful rolling back of women’s rights.

Acknowledge the reality. The first step is for European leaders and the establishment to abandon denial and honestly confront the social consequences of mass migration, including the increase in sexual violence and the erosion of women's rights. Ignoring the problem or blaming those who raise concerns only exacerbates the situation and empowers extremists.

Reform the system. The current asylum and migration framework is outdated and ill-equipped to handle contemporary challenges. A new system is needed that:

• Distinguishes clearly between genuine refugees and economic migrants.
• Selects migrants based on their likelihood of successful integration and willingness to adopt host country values.
• Enforces borders and implements effective deportation policies for those who do not qualify or break the law.

Promote and enforce liberal values. Integration must be a two-way street, but core liberal values are non-negotiable. Governments must actively promote gender equality, secularism, and individual rights, and insist that newcomers adhere to these principles. This includes:

• Providing mandatory, comprehensive sex and relationship education that teaches consent and respect.
• Strictly enforcing laws against sexual violence, honor crimes, child marriage, and FGM, without cultural exceptions.
• Supporting liberal voices within immigrant communities who advocate for reform and adaptation.

Last updated: May 11, 2025