UAE Fears Muslim Brotherhood, Funds UK Universities Less
The official line is concern over radicalization. Unmentioned, of course, is the UAE's rather robust history of suppressing any form of political Islam or independent thought, whether 'radical' or simply reformist. This isn't about protecting students from extremism; it's about extending authoritarian control beyond borders and ensuring future leaders toe the preferred line (Al-Monitor, 'UAE cuts
student funding for UK universities over Muslim Brotherhood fears'). It appears the Emiratis believe that an education free from their watchful eye might lead to dangerous ideas like 'due process' or 'freedom of expression.' One might wonder if the real fear is not radicalization, but rather the inconvenient habit certain Western universities have of teaching critical thinking – a concept
apparently too 'extreme' for comfort.