"Islamo-leftism" is not a scientific reality

"Islamo-leftism", a political catchphrase used in public discourse, has no basis in any scientific reality. Without being clearly defined, the term has been the subject of a number of often impassioned position statements, editorials and petitions. The CNRS firmly condemns those who try to take advantage of the concept to question academic freedom, which is vital to the scientific process and the advancement of knowledge, or to stigmatise certain scientific communities. In particular, the CNRS denounces the attempts to delegitimise various fields of research, such as postcolonial studies, intersectional studies or research on the term "race", or any other area of knowledge. As concerns social issues, the role of the CNRS, and more generally the role of public research, is to provide scientific insight and collective expertise based on the findings of fundamental research in order to enable everyone to formulate their own opinions and make informed decisions. This insight must take into account any scientific controversies that might arise, as these are useful and conducive to progress provided that they are debated with an open mind and an attitude of respect. The current controversy on "Islamo-leftism", with its accompanying political exploitation, is emblematic of a regrettable weaponisation of science.