Political Islam in the Age of Democratization (Middle East Today)
"Kamran Bokhari and Farid Senzai provide a forceful corrective to the common generalizations on Islam and democratization and incisively delineate the broad range of Islamist political views and Muslim democracies that have emerged. The argument that religious-based democracies are not only feasible but also innovative works in progress is both theoretically suggestive and compelling for policymakers."—James Piscatori, Professor of International Relations and Head of School in the School of Government and International Affairs, Durham University, UK"In the aftermath of the Arab uprisings and in the continued struggle for democracy, Political Islam in the Age of Democratization provides an important and insightful assessment of a topic that will be a global challenge in the decades ahead. Strongly recommended for an academic audience, policymakers, and the general public."—John L. Esposito, University Professor of Religion & International Affairs, Georgetown University, USA and author of The Future of Islam'At a time of turmoil and great uncertainty in the Middle East, it will be hard to find more informed guides into the labyrinth of Islamist politics than Kamran Bokhari and Farid Senzai. The authors display deep knowledge of the broadness and complexity of the phenomenon, as well familiarity with the themes and actors. Their predictions may be bold and challenging, but they are based on strong and informed argument. This is a timely and very helpful work.'—Abdelwahab El-Affendi, Director, Democracy and Islam Programme, Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Westminster, UK"Political Islam in the Age of Democratization dispels much of the conventional wisdom surrounding the interface of Islamists and political participation. Kamran Bokhari and Farid Senzai ask us—amidst crucial political transitions in the Arab world—to revisit our settled assumptions about the nature and objectives of Islamist movements. All who seek to understand the transition within political Islam will want to read this book."—Peter Mandaville, Associate Professor of Government and Politics, George Mason University, USA and author of Islam and Politics