In a world where theocratic ideologies continue to produce terrorism, imagine a scenario where a radical religious organization relocates to America and constructs a city based solely on its own theocratic principles—principles diametrically opposed to the core values of Western civilization.

This does not appear to be a hypothetical or intellectual exercise.

This situation begs several essential questions about the implications for governance, social order, individual freedoms, and the broader effects on American society. What would happen if such a city were to emerge successfully?

Let’s explore the potential consequences.

• Erosion of Individual Rights and Freedoms

At the core of most Western societies lies the principle of individual rights and freedoms. The American Constitution enshrines inalienable rights, guaranteeing every citizen the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, a city built on radical theocratic principles would be governed by laws prioritizing religious doctrine over personal autonomy.

In this city, strict adherence to religious tenets could lead to the suppression of personal freedoms. Women might face extreme restrictions on their rights, such as limited access to education, employment, or personal decision-making. LGBTQ+ individuals could be forced to hide their identities, as religious dogma often condemns non-heteronormative behavior. Non-believers or those from different religious backgrounds may face exclusion, persecution, or forced conversion.

Moreover, freedom of expression would likely be stifled. Criticism of the religious leadership or the city’s laws could result in severe punishment. In an environment like this, people’s fundamental rights—freedom of speech, the right to protest, and even freedom of belief—would be threatened or outright abolished in favor of conformity to the religious doctrine.

• A Clash of Ideologies: Society at Odds with Itself

One of the key features of Western civilization is its pluralistic nature—different ideas and cultures are allowed to coexist and contribute to a diverse societal fabric. However, creating a city governed by a radical religious ideology would ignite a profound clash of values.

On one hand, the larger American society, grounded in secularism and liberal democratic ideals, would view this theocratic enclave as a serious threat to its values of inclusivity, freedom, and equality. On the other hand, the residents of this city would likely see their existence as a noble attempt to preserve their religious purity and moral values in a world they view as morally corrupt.

The ideological divide would create tensions, both within the new city and the broader community, if not the nation itself. These tensions could escalate into conflicts over governance, human rights, and freedom of movement. The religious enclave could refuse to abide by national laws, creating a fractious relationship with the U.S. government.

• Economic Isolation and Stunted Growth

A city that rejects the values of Western civilization might also turn its back on modern economic principles. In a globalized world, such an enclave would face significant challenges in maintaining economic viability. The city’s refusal to participate in customary financial practices or accept certain technological advancements could further isolate it from commerce, stunting its economic growth.

In many areas, there is an undue strain on social services, with many Muslims believing that welfare, including goods, services, and other benefits, is their due— a “Jizya” as a tax that was historically levied on non-Muslims (referred to as “dhimmis”) in Islamic states.

Additionally, the economic isolation would put the city in a difficult position regarding resources, especially in times of crisis. For example, a natural disaster or an economic recession could devastate the city, as it would lack the resources, infrastructure, and international support necessary to recover.

• Security Concerns

Given the repressive nature of theocratic regimes, it’s almost inevitable that the citizens living under such a totalitarian regime would eventually be radicalized, placing the “worst of the worst” among neighboring citizens who are ill-prepared to deal with militant religious terrorists.

A radical religious organization seeking to establish its own theocratic city would inevitably generate security concerns for both its residents and the surrounding population. If the city were to adopt extreme measures, such as violent enforcement of religious laws or an armed militia to protect its borders, it could create a flashpoint for internal conflict.

Moreover, tensions between the theocratic enclave and neighboring communities are guaranteed to escalate into violence. Militias or extremist factions might target their neighbors, leading to a violent standoff that draws in national forces. The security threat posed by this religious faction could prompt the U.S. government to take military action to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Moreover, foreign powers that support the theocratic ideals could align themselves with the city, creating a rift in international politics. These countries might provide resources, weapons, or even military support, exacerbating the situation and turning the conflict into a global struggle between competing ideologies.

Bottom line…

The United States Constitution is not a suicide pact, conveying to our enemies the power to destroy us using our own laws and institutions against us. There must be limits to those ideologies, political, religious, or a combination thereof, that are unacceptable to the interests of Western civilizations.

We have seen, in real-time, what such an incursion might look like in England (Birmingham and East London), France (Paris, Lyon, and Marseille), Netherlands (Rotterdam and Amsterdam), Belgium (Molenbeek District in Brussels), Germany (Neukölln District in Berlin), and, of course, the nascent enclaves in the United States: Michigan (Dearborn and Hamtramck); New York (Bay Ridge District in Brooklyn) and California (Los Angeles Pico-Robertson District and the South Bay. ).

Creating a radical religious city within the United States governed by principles antithetical to Western civilization would have profound consequences for the city’s residents, the nation, and the world. It would serve as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of democratic freedoms and the challenges of radical ideologies.

These incursions underscore the importance of defending the values of equality, freedom, and pluralism that have long been the bedrock of Western civilization. As history has shown, the consequences of ideological extremism are often tragic, and this theocratic scenario would be no exception.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve