Overview

A broad-ranging assessment of relations between the Muslim and Western worlds in the contemporary era set in the context of the way these have evolved historically. Arguing that the relations have been marked by long periods of peaceful coexistence, but also by many instances of tension, hostility and mutual recrimination, Amin Saikal assesses the impact of the continuing Arab-Israeli conflict, the consequences of the Iranian revolution and of the wars in the Gulf and Afghanistan, and charts a course for future co-existence.

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9781403903587

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Dismissing as an oversimplification the clash of civilizations view that Islam and the West are engaged in an inevitable and irreversible conflict, this book - written by a distinguished Afghan-born, Western-educated scholar - analyzes the specific political, economic, and cultural roots of Islamicist terrorism. Anyone who wishes to understand the contemporary world, must heed Professor Saikal's argument.' - Professor Robert G. Gilpin Jr., Princeton University 'This is a book with a brave agenda addressed at a wide intelligent audience of non-specialists which succeeds on many levels. Covering with equal assuredness the Middle East and Central, South, and Southeast Asia, Amin Saikal provides a masterful analysis of the complex relations of Muslim polities with the non-Muslim West. He is especially convincing in showing how the lone superpower at the end of the 20th century, the United States, has allowed itself to be drawn into, or has purposely pursued, policies that serve to undermine its professed democratic values and even-handedness in foreign relations.' - R. D. McChesney, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, New York University and editor Iranian Studies 'A sober and sobering examination of what has emerged as the most critical faultline in world affairs since 11 September 2001. All who pick up this book, including those who take issue with the author's interpretations, analyses and recommendations, are likely to put it down the richer in informed reflection for having read it.' - Professor Ramesh Thakur, Vice Rector, United Nations University 'At once engagingly written and worthy of the most serious scholarly attention, Amin Saikal's book provides an illuminating portrayal of Islam as a world historical force and a devastating account of the American response to the September 11 attacks. He concludes with a series of policy guidelines that offer the world its best chance of overcoming the intertwined challenges of mega-terrorism, religious extremism, and Western hegemonic geopolitics. All in all, a stunning achievement!' - Professor Richard A. Falk, Princeton University '...a book with brave agenda addressed at a wide intelligent audience of non-specialists...' - R.D.McChesney, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, New York University and editor Iranian Studies '[A] well written book, by a distinguished expert on Islam and political change, [which] offers valuable insights' - Necati Polat, International Affairs

At once engagingly written and worthy of the most serious scholarly attention...an illuminating portrayal of Islam --Professor Richard A. Falk, Princeton University <br>., . a book with a brave agenda addressed at a wide intelligent audience of non-specialists... -- R. D. McChesney, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, New York University and editor Iranian Studies <br> Anyone who wishes to understand the contemporary world, must heed Professor Saikal's argument. -Professor Robert G. Gilpin Jr., Princeton University<br>

Author Information

AMIN SAIKAL is Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies and Professor of Political Science, Australian National University.

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