Global Political Islam
'Global Political Islam,is a well-informed account of the origins of mainstream Islamism, the strategies of Islamisation, the emergence of the radical fringe, the competition for authority among Muslim elites and the impact of globalisation on Muslim politics. This is a study which sets out to transcend the 'narrow moment' of al-Qaeda.' -The Economist"Mandaville’s comprehensive and thoroughly thought-provoking book immediately highlights the de-historicised pitfalls of perspectives that overlook the complex history of mainstream, predominantly non-violent, Muslim politics, which clearly transcends the narrow moment of Al-Qaeda and the global jihad movement. Straight from the introduction, and repeatedly in the subsequent nine chapters, the reader’s attention is drawn to the inherent plurality and diversity of Muslim politics. The idea that there can be a single theory to account for political Islam is thoroughly dispelled, so that one may not speak of a singular Islamic ‘fundamentalism’ today... The book laudably covers considerable ground in seeking to understand the nature of contemporary Muslim politics. Mandaville should be much commended for his effort to cover Muslim politics across such a vast range of settings, issues and actors. The book is approachable, clear and on the whole quite absorbing. It is a mini encyclopaedia of knowledge on Muslim Politics. I would recommend it to any student of the social sciences and humanities. For students of politics, and for readers specifically interested in Muslim politics, this study is certainly a thoroughly valuable resource."-Sham Qayyum SOAS, University of London; South Asia Research Vol. 29 (3), November 2009.'Global Political Islamis the best panoramic view of Muslim politics today. With lucidity and insight, Peter Mandaville effortlessly explains the complexity of Islamism without becoming bogged down in jargon or narrowly defending one line of interpretation. He displays an equally impressive command of specific movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaida and critical issues such as globalisation, the crisis over the state, and competition over religious authority. It is difficult to imagine a more reliable or informed treatment of a shifting and ever widening Islamic landscape.' -James Piscatori, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, UK'Peter Mandaville has produced a wonderful analysis of what political Islam represents and who speaks for it. Nuanced, erudite and encyclopedic,Global Political Islamprovides a fresh perspective on how Islamic ideas, parties and actors shape Muslim society and politics from Southeast Asia to the British Midlands. This book will impress specialists and general readers alike.' -Vali Nasr, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA and author of The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam will Shape the Future.'Peter Mandaville has patiently - and often brilliantly - exposed the limits of literalism and extremism as categories for analyzing Muslim extremists, i.e., those who seek to combine religious knowledge and political authority in the name of Allah. The battle for the hearts and minds of Muslims is ably etched in this masterful study; it should be consulted by all who hope and work for a better future in the Middle East and beyond.'  -Bruce Lawrence, Duke University, USA