ABSTRACT
The introduction provides readers with a general picture of the Maghreb and the core questions examined in the book, such as “why have Islamist political parties risen to prominence in the wake of the Arab Spring?” The introduction also explains how “Islamism” or “political Islam” is defined by the authors in this study. The historical context for the emergence of Islamism during the colonial era, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood in British Egypt, is also examined. Going beyond this discussion, the introduction also elucidates the theological doctrines that underpin Islamist thought, such as tawhid and kasb. In addition, the events of the Arab Spring, particularly those in Tunisia, are summarized.
