In those countries there is a big divide between the liberal elite, which tends to be more secular, and everyone else. But any “coercion” caused by classist attitudes pales to the coercion on the other side. To put that article in context for our American readers: it’s like someone writing an article about how someone from rural Georgia went to Atlanta and someone mocked their accent. Except it’s written against the backdrop of the state passing the heartbeat abortion law.
On another note, when does influence become coercion? Is it only when it results in choices that the forces of global hegemony disagree with? Too many people are convinced that decision to wear a hijab can not be an authentically free one. It's very patronising.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44411333