ABSTRACT
Is political Islam compatible with democracy?
The rise of political Islam, as a force in world politics, has prompted questions and theories concerning its nature and compatibility with democratic values. Not least have been discussions and conflicts within Islamic communities, particularly in Europe where choices of identity and allegiance are growing acute.
Bassam Tibi provides a broad ranging assessment of political Islam in the world, in all its various manifestations. In particular he focuses on Europe which is also home to a significant Islamic minority. Whilst rejecting the Clash of Civilizations theory the author clearly demonstrates the growing conflict and incompatibility between Islamist movements and European democracy. A practicing Muslim himself, Bassam Tibi, makes clear the vital importance of developing a Euro Islam that will peacefully accommodate religious beliefs within an inclusive democratic European culture.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |4 pages
PART I The conflict within Islamic civilization between jihadism and democracy. Its pertinence to world politics and to the Islam diaspora in Europe: obstacles and solutions
part |8 pages
Part II Political Islam enters world politics: Global jihadism as an Islamist internationalism in its Sunni and Shi’ite varieties as a challenge to safe democracy and international security
part |8 pages
Part III Europe as a battlefield for the competing options: Islamization versus Europeanization resulting in Muslim Europe or