Islam and the Trajectory of Globalization: Rational Idealism and the Structure of World History

The book explores the growing tension between social movements that embrace egalitarian and inclusivist views of national and global politics and those that advance social hierarchy and national exclusivism. It identifies historical patterns of convergence and divergence rooted in the monotheistic traditions and examines the consequences of European realism in the imperialistic venture into Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. It also highlights the role played historically by Islamic rationalism in translating the monotheistic egalitarian outlook into the institutions of religious pluralism, legislative and legal autonomy, and scientific enterprise at the foundation of modern society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the escalating conflict between social movements that advocate for egalitarian and inclusive perspectives on national and global politics, particularly classical liberalism, and those that promote social hierarchy and national exclusivism, such as neoliberalism, neoconservatism, and national populism. In its examination of the tensions and conflicts surrounding globalization, the book identifies historical patterns of convergence and divergence rooted in the monotheistic traditions, beginning with the ancient Israelites who dominated the Near East during the Axial age, traversing Islamic civilization, and ultimately considering the idealism-realism tensions in modern times.

One consistent theme that permeated the various historical stages preceding our current era of global convergence was the ongoing tension between transcendental idealism and diverse manifestations of realism. Transcendental idealism, which prioritizes egalitarian and universal values, periodically clashed with the forces of realism that prioritize established laws and power structures. By employing the idealism-realism framework, the book explores the ramifications of European realism, which justified the imperialistic ventures into Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America under the guise of liberation and liberalization. Ironically, this misguided strategy has inadvertently created the very dysfunctional societies that produce the constant waves of immigrants traveling from the South to the North, while also fostering the social hierarchy that transforms external tensions into identity politics within the countries of the North.

The book specifically focuses on the historical role played by Islamic rationalism in translating the monotheistic egalitarian outlook into the institutions of religious pluralism. Through its analysis, the book sheds light on the ways in which Islamic rationalism has contributed to the development of diverse societies and cultures, while also addressing the challenges and complexities associated with religious pluralism in the contemporary world.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032066790