The Paradox of Political Islam: Unity and Diversity in the Greater Middle East

With the worldwide political changes brought about by the end of the Cold War, political Islam has gained new significance a potential threat to U.S. interests. Assessments of the phenomenon have varied, ranging from an Islamic replacement for the communist global ideological menace to a more legitimate expression of social and political activism within Muslim countries. The United States does not have a coherent, long-term policy toward this resurgent ideological force. An objective assessment of political Islam must be developed to enable policy-makers to understand the true nature and aspirations of the Islamists, and to era appropriate responses. This book argues that political Islam is not a monolithic "Green Menace"; while pervasive, and influence by unifying aspects of a common Third World "crisis" environment and the "fundamentals" of the Islamic faith, it is paradoxically diverse grouping of ideologies that is polycentric in character. These ideologies vary in specific origins and means of sociopolitic action, while emphasizing a political focus aimed primarily at the local, intrastate levels. Given the phenomenon's multifaceted nature, the U.S. must develop a similar diversity in its policy approaches.