ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on recent trends in Southeast Asian Islam and examines the role which Islam plays in the region's affairs. It looks at four specific issues: the character of Islam in the region and the nature of the resurgence; the impact of Islam upon domestic politics and social cohesion; the influence of 'Islamic issues' on diplomatic and economic relations; and the importance of Islam for regional security. The chapter argues with the exception of matters of security, Islam has had a less significant role in regional affairs than the size of the Muslim community would suggest. Islamization has caused irritation and disquiet among non-Muslims, but in general Mahathir has been careful not to alienate his Chinese and Indian coalition partners or alarm foreign investors. Domestically, an important factor in radicalization has been the economic and political sidelining of Islamic communities, often accompanied by brutal state oppression of Muslim dissent.
