A Game Theory Approach to Combating Islamophobia

• In Event: Understanding and Preventing Crimes Against Targeted or Vulnerable Groups

Abstract

This research endeavor advocates for the application of Game Theory in order to understand and control Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crimes. Using data from official sources and other relevant open source data, Game Theory will be employed to draw up a cognitive valence map to address the process of hate crimes against Muslims. Specifically, it will focus on Islamophobia by addressing three main dimensions: actions taken by law enforcement, the motivations of offenders, and permeability of the victims who are targets of the violent predatory crimes. A Game Theory Model will be employed to apply victimization theory for understanding the various dimensions of Islamophobia. With the aid of a cognitive valence map and cognitive value approximations for the victimization of Muslims, preventive strategies will be outlined for controlling hate crimes against Muslims.

Authors

• Farrukh B. Hakeem, Shaw University

• Amin Asfari, University of Regina

• Khodr Zaarour, North Carolina State University