Islamism in the Modern World: A Historical Approach

Islamism in the Modern World provides an accessible introduction to the debates surrounding the historic origins of contemporary Islamism, exploring controversies surrounding contemporary Islamists' indebtedness to European and Islamic thinkers, and the relationship between political Islam, violence, and democracy in an historical context. It compares medieval, early modern, and modern Islamist thinkers and discusses the compatibility of Islamism with 'Western values such as democracy, feminism, and human rights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Islamism in the Modern World is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the complex debates surrounding the historical origins and evolution of contemporary Islamism. Written with students in mind, the book delves into the controversies surrounding the influences of European and Islamic thinkers on contemporary Islamists, as well as the historical context of debates regarding the relationship between political Islam, violence, and democracy. Author W. J. Berridge examines the enduring themes, shifts, and impacts of long-term social, economic, and political change on the ideology of Islamism. The book encourages readers to critically evaluate the claims of contemporary commentators by employing historical analysis, exploring the intricate connections between Islamist and European thinkers across different periods, including classical, Renaissance, and modern liberal, fascist, and Marxist ideologies.

The book also explores the compatibility of Islamism and Islam with supposedly Western values such as democracy, feminism, and human rights. Each chapter includes a concise bibliography of relevant primary and secondary sources, along with excerpts from key sources and a glossary of Arabic terms, making it an ideal resource for history students seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this important topic.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474272827