The Future of Islam and the West Clash of Civilizations or Peaceful Coexistence?

Subjects:

• Political Science » International Relations
• Political Science » Political Philosophy
• Multicultural Studies » Middle East Studies
• History » World History (General)

Reviews:

• [T]he Future of Islam and the West is a fascinating countervailing study of Huntington's "civilized clash" thesis. Lucidly written and rich in details, the book makes interesting reading. Students of political science and religion, particularlly those with an interest in political Islam, should not pass an opportunity to read this invaluable addition to the debate on Islamic-Western relations.
  —Journal of Third World Studies
• This impressive exploration of political Islam suggests ways in which to undermine the so-called intractable dichotomy between Islam and the West if one challenges certain basic and commonly held views regarding identity, community, and the vision of interstate relations in Islam.
  —Bulletin of Regional Cooperation in the Middle East
• ...thoughtful and useful books about the current Islamic political phenomenon, which complement and do not duplicate each other. Hunter presents a realistic, readable, and analytical argument showing....Hunter's final conclusion is convincing....Hunter's book is short and readable, making it useful for classes.
  —Int. J. Middle East Stud.
• This book is a valuable stimulus to the thinking of policy makers, academic specialists, and previously initiated journalists and members of the public....Perhaps Hunter's greatest contribution is her debunking of popular misconceptions about Islam.
  —Comtemporary Security Policy

• Endorsement From Hafeez Malik
  Professor of Political Science, Villanova University
  editor, Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies: (Displays) Hunter's impressive knowledge of political Islam and the dynamics of Islamicist movements in various countries and contributes substantially to the debate on the role of Islam...in the contemporary environment. Lay public and policymakers (will find) deep insights into this delicate subject for policymaking toward the Muslim states.
• Endorsement From John Esposito, Director
  Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University: Really good! This study is packed with information and, more importantly, excellent analysis.
• Endorsement From Joseph Montville, Director
  CSIS Preventive Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution Project: (A) very effective rebuttal of Huntington's dangerous 'IClash of Civilizations' thesis, systematically dismantling the stereotypical simplicity of self-conscious 'cultures'.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Unfolding of the Islamic Experience
• The Islamist Movement and Its Anti-Western Dimensions: Islamic Particularism or Sociopolitical Mutation?
• The Role of Islam in Shaping Foreign Policy: Case Studies of Iran and Saudi Arabia
• Conclusions and Outlook for Islam-West Relations: Implications for Future Relations
• Select Bibliography
• Index