Political Islam: Movements, Ideologies, and Governance in Comparative Perspective

Political Islam: Movements, Ideologies, and Governance in Comparative Perspective is a textbook that offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of Islamist movements and the diverse political models they have pursued across the modern Muslim world. Bridging theology, political theory, and case-based analysis, this book examines how religion, nationalism, and armed resistance have intersected to shape contemporary Muslim-majority states. The book begins with foundational chapters that compare the historical relationship between religion and politics in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and then outlines key differences between Western democratic theory and Islamic governance models. It proceeds to examine seminal Islamist movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the ideological legacy of Sayyid Qutb, Iran’s Shi‘i theocracy, and resistance movements such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Taliban. Each chapter integrates ideological analysis with political history, institutional development, and regional context. Unique among books in the field, Political Islam: Movements, Ideologies, and Governance in Comparative Perspective combines intellectual genealogy with detailed case studies and comparative frameworks, enabling students to grasp both the diversity and coherence of Islamist thought. The book also engages current events – including the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault and its geopolitical aftermath – while highlighting broader debates over Islamic law, militancy, democratization, and international humanitarian law. This book will appeal to students and scholars of Middle East politics, Islamic studies, political theory, and global affairs, offering a nuanced and critical understanding of one of the most complex and consequential forces in modern world politics.