Islam in a Globalizing World

This book takes a historical approach to examining Islam’s role in globalization. The author identifies complex historical and geopolitical trends in Islamic history, and constructs from these a clear assessment of contemporary Islam. Most important, the book examines historical trends from a perspective that contributes to an understanding of Islam in the aftermath of September 11. The author takes us through a review of the first Islamic millennium and Islam’s role as a globalizing force, to subsequent changes in the Muslim world, through a comparison with earlier radical movements in Russia, and finally to trends in contemporary political Islam and projections for future developments. Along the way, the author points out many of the challenges Islamists have faced, some of their pitfalls, and some modernizing attributes of contemporary Islam. This accessible, timely book should be of strong interest to anyone with a desire for greater understanding in this transformed global environment.

Thomas W. Simons, Jr. is Consulting Professor, Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University. He was the Ambassador to Pakistan from 1996 to 1998.