Democratization and the Islamist Challenge in the Arab World

by Najib Ghadbian

Overview

The rise of Islamic movements in the Arab world over the last decade coincided with a move toward democratization throughout the region, yet after hopeful early signs, progress toward democratization has stalled or has even been reversed in all but a few countries. This book explores the linkages between the move to democratize and the Islamist challenge, focusing on the struggle among ruling elites, secularists, and the Islamists to define collective identity—that is, to define what common orientations unite the polity and how disagreements can be addressed, particularly regarding the place of Islam in politics. The author surveys democratization measures since 1980 and analyzes the nature of the Islamist challenge, exploring the factors behind the rise of fundamentalism, the agendas of various Islamic movements, and Islamist concepts of democracy. In a final section the author offers in-depth case studies of Egypt and Jordan.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780429720956
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/13/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	188
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Najib Ghadbian is a research analyst for the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi.

Table of Contents

Preface -- Charting Democracy in the Arab World -- Studying Democratization in the Arab World -- Identity and Democracy: A History -- Democratization and Islamic Resurgence -- Islamists and Democracy: The Intersection -- The Islamist Challenge -- The Politics of Inclusion and Exclusion: Two Case Studies -- Egypt: Coercion and Containment -- Jordan: A Case of Inclusion -- Conclusions -- Conclusions and Prospects

Editorial Reviews

Explores the simultaneous movements toward democracy and Islamic fundamentalism since about 1980, and investigates the link between them. Focuses on the struggle among ruling elites, secularists, and Islamists to define collective identity, the common orientations that unite the polity, how disagreements can be addressed, and the place of Islam in politics. Offers in-depth case studies of Egypt and Jordan. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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