Political Islam and Religiously Motivated Political Extremism: An International Comparison

This book examines the relationship between religiously motivated extremism and political and social outcomes in the Arab world and around the globe,using advanced statistical techniques to analyze data from the Arab Barometer and the World Values Survey. It identifies identification with a political Islam that influences elections,promotes religious and gender discrimination,and advocates an Islamist interpretation of Islam as the main interrelated syndromes of political Islam that explain over 50% of the total variance of model variables.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book offers a comprehensive international comparison of religiously motivated extremism in the Arab world and across the globe. Drawing upon data from the Arab Barometer and the World Values Survey, it employs advanced statistical techniques to examine the impact of religiously motivated political extremism on political and social outcomes, as well as political violence. The study reveals that identification with a political Islam that influences elections, promotes religious and gender discrimination, and advocates an Islamist interpretation of Islam, are the primary interrelated syndromes of political Islam that collectively account for over 50% of the total variance in the 24 model variables used.

The book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the complex dynamics of religiously motivated extremism. It provides a clear-headed and accessible overview of the topic, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

The author, Professor Arno Tausch, is a renowned expert in the field of political Islam and has conducted extensive research on the subject. His methodological rigor, scientific soundness, empirical richness, and combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches make this study a tour de force in the field.

The book is organized into five chapters, each covering a different aspect of religiously motivated extremism. The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, defining religiously motivated extremism and its historical context. The second chapter explores the drivers of religiously motivated extremism, including political, social, and economic factors. The third chapter examines the impact of religiously motivated extremism on political and social outcomes, including democracy, human rights, and social cohesion. The fourth chapter explores the role of religiously motivated extremism in promoting political violence, including terrorism, insurgency, and civil war. The fifth chapter examines the challenges of countering religiously motivated extremism, including the role of governments, international organizations, and civil society.

Throughout the book, the author employs a rigorous and systematic approach to analyzing the data, using advanced statistical techniques such as multivariate regression analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis. The results of the analysis are presented in clear and concise language, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The author also includes a comprehensive bibliography of relevant literature, which provides further resources for those interested in exploring the topic in greater depth.

In conclusion, this open-access book offers a valuable contribution to the field of political science and is highly recommended for all those who deal seriously with this topic. It provides a comprehensive international comparison of religiously motivated extremism, employing advanced statistical techniques to examine its impact on political and social outcomes, as well as political violence. The study's clear-headed and accessible approach makes it accessible to a wide range of readers, including scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the complex dynamics of religiously motivated extremism.

Weight: 185g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031248535
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023