Peaceful Majorities, Radical Minorities, and Social Cohesion: Evidence From Muslim Communities in the United States

In multicultural democracies, social cohesion relies on diverse groups coexisting within shared civic systems. While most individuals support stability and cooperation, a small minority may adopt views that challenge democratic norms and intergroup trust. This commentary draws on 2025 survey and interview data from 45 randomly selected Muslims in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. It explores tensions between peaceful majorities and radical minorities, focusing on antisemitism, skepticism toward liberal institutions, and the complexities of multicultural governance. Using Social Identity Theory, Relative Deprivation Theory, and models of radicalization, the analysis places these findings within broader academic and policy discussions. Results show that most respondents favor pluralism and democratic coexistence. However, a notable minority expresses hostility toward Western political systems, and a smaller group supports the idea of an Islamic state. Recognizing such minority views without stigmatizing entire communities is essential for maintaining both democratic values and social cohesion.