Kirjahaku

For many people, the world of politics is defined by ideologies. The average voter rarely takes time to research a policy issue, thoroughly relying instead on a set of beliefs set forth by his or her chosen political organization to make important decisions. These publicly promoted ideologies play an important role in international as well as domestic political development, yet many adherents to a particular belief may have a poor understanding of competing ideologies. From right wing to the far left, this text dissects eight prominent political ideologies: traditional conservatism, classic liberalism, libertarianism, conservative extremism, contemporary liberalism, communism, dependency theory and Islamism. In plain terms it describes the basic doctrine and inherent contradictions of each creed along with its particular relevance to today's political landscape. An in-depth discussion of the political socialization processes that form and perpetuate ideologies is also included. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

This book explores the challenge posed by the immersion of 15 million Muslims in Western democracies and the few, but volatile, terrorists present within the larger body of believers. The fact that immersion in Western culture is insufficient to stem the tide of extremism is discussed, along with the factors that contribute to the growth of radical Islam, such as the presence of charismatic, authoritarian leadership, educational options that downplay critical thinking, and colonialism. Hope that radical Islam can be kept to a minimum in Western societies is provided by the Islamic concept of Ijtihad, through which Muslims reinterpret their own religion. Just as mainstream Mormons have dispensed with polygamy and Christians with witch-hunting, Muslims in Western societies have the potential to minimize the growth of radicalism. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

In the early twenty-first century, perhaps no political ideology has become more important - yet less understood - in the Western world than Radical Islam or Islamism, the fundamentalist ideology that holds the jihad or Holy War against infidels as the ultimate service to God and the highest obligation of every Muslim. Understanding Radical Islam outlines and discusses the major tenets, segments, developments, problems, and contradictions surrounding Islamism and its impact on global politics in the twenty-first century. The book details the people, policies, and events associated with Islamism, as well as the cultural clashes between Islamism and the West. Understanding Radical Islam should be a major addition to any collegiate class in Middle Eastern politics, political theory, and ideology.