Islam, Extremism and the Battle Over Truth and Narrative
Emeka Conversations: Season 1, Episode 8
1hr 54mins | Premiered Mar 13, 2026
Australia and much of the Western world is facing growing tension around religion, identity, and global conflict. But much of the conversation is happening without understanding.
Emeka sits down with Professor Halim Rane, Griffith University academic, researcher in international relations, and scholar of Islamic studies, for a direct and wide-ranging discussion about Islam, media narratives, extremism, and the misconceptions shaping public debate.
This conversation began after Emeka released a reaction video following a violent incident and was challenged to examine whether some of the assumptions surrounding Islam were actually accurate. That challenge led to a deeper dialogue and ultimately this long-form conversation.
Drawing on over two decades of academic research, Professor Rane explores the foundations of Islamic theology, the role of the Quran, and the concept of covenants in Islam, which he argues form the keystone of the religion’s moral framework.
From common Western misconceptions about Islam to the role of media narratives and political discourse, the conversation examines how misunderstanding and selective interpretation have shaped global perceptions of Muslims and Islamic belief. The discussion also moves into some of the most difficult contemporary issues.
