ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights the differences in Islamist movements and the varying circumstances in which they have emerged and still flourish. The phenomenon of "political Islam" continues to dominate the political and social map of the Middle East and North Africa. The contributors map out the power, influence, and presence of Islamist movements in the post-Cold War order of the Middle East and North Africa. The use of the label "Islamic fundamentalism" has become widespread, especially in the media, and is increasingly penetrating academic circles. Contemporary Islamism is the product of a sociopolitical process of two decades or more. The common underlying feature of contemporary Islamist movements is that they all believe in the "cause" of establishing an Islamic state or order. On theoretical grounds there are some models and blueprints for Islamic order. The book concludes with a word on Islamism and democracy.
