The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?
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Author Description
Are Islam and the West on a collision course? From the Ayatollah Khomeini to Saddam Hussein, the image of Islam as a militant, expansionist, and rabidly anti-American religion has gripped the minds of Western governments and media. But these perceptions, John L. Esposito writes, stem from a long history of mutual distrust, criticism, and condemnation, and are far too simplistic to help us understand one of the most important political issues of our time. In this new edition of The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?, Esposito places the challenge of Islam in critical perspective. Exploring the vitality of this religion as a global force and the history of its relations with the West, Esposito demonstrates the diversity of the Islamic resurgence--and the mistakes our analysts make in assuming a hostile, monolithic Islam. This third edition has been expanded to include new material on current affairs in Turkey, Afghanistan, Palestine, and Southeast Asia, as well as a discussion of international terrorism.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
Does the perception of Islam as a monolithic, militant threat to the West reflect historical reality or a fundamental misunderstanding of complex geopolitical dynamics? John L. Esposito, a professor of international affairs and Islamic studies, utilizes his extensive academic background to challenge the prevailing Western narrative that frames Islam as inherently anti-American. By examining the historical roots of mutual distrust and the diverse manifestations of Islamic resurgence, he argues that Western analysts often fail to account for the internal political and social variations within Muslim-majority nations.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical analysis of the evolution of relations between the West and the Islamic world.
- Examination of the diversity of Islamic political movements across Turkey, Afghanistan, Palestine, and Southeast Asia.
- Critique of Western media and government frameworks regarding international terrorism and religious militancy.
- Synthesis of contemporary political events to debunk the myth of a singular, hostile Islamic identity.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the nuances of modern Islamic politics and Western foreign policy. Readers note the clarity of the prose, which makes complex historical and political arguments accessible to both students and general audiences.
Page Count:
352
Publication Date:
1999-10-07
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195130766
ISBN-13:
9780195130768
Religion
History
Islamic Countries
International relations
