Global Political Islam

Edited by: Peter Mandaville

This book offers an accessible and comprehensive account of political Islam in the twenty-first century.
Drawing on insights from comparative politics, sociology, international relations and Islamic studies, it explains the complex interaction between political Islam, nationalism, state and society, and globalization. An ideal teaching text, Global Political Islam also provides the necessary historical background and conceptual tools for understanding contemporary Muslim politics. The book contains detailed up-to-date case studies of political Islam in a variety of key settings such as Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Palestine. It also explains the evolution of Islamic radicalism through a detailed account of Al Qaeda and the global jihad movement. Transnational Islamic networking receives considerable attention, as does the role of new media and information technologies in political Islam. Fully illustrated throughout, featuring maps, supplementary textbox case studies, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading, this is the ideal introduction to the crucial rule of political Islam in the contemporary world.

State, Power and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East

Edited by: Roger Owen

Roger Owen has fully revised and updated his authoritative text to take into account the latest developments in the Middle East. This book continues to serve as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the modern history and politics of this fascinating region.

This third edition continues to explore the emergence of individual Middle Eastern states since the fall of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War and the key themes that have characterized the region since then.

Islamic Fundamentalism since 1945

Edited by: Beverley Milton-Edwards

Beverley Milton-Edwards analyzes the roots and emergence of new Islamic movements and the main thinkers that inspired them.

Providing a much-needed historical overview, the main facets of Islamic fundamentalism are put in a global context, with a thematic debate of issues such as:

• the effects of colonialism on Islam
• secularism and the Islamic reaction
• Islam and violence 
• globalization and transnational Islamic movements
• Islam in the wake of 9/11.

For students and anyone interested in the history, effects and consequences of these Islamic movements, Islamic Fundamentalism since 1945 is the book to buy.

Terrorists and Terrorism

Edited by: David J Whittaker

A concise and accessible survey of this topical and complex subject, this is the first book of its type to focus on the terrorists, and their psychology, in an historical context.

Focusing on a variety of prominent terrorist groups together with a number of less notorious ones, the book encourages readers to think about the mindset, motivation and tactics of terrorists. David J. Whittaker analyzes examples of terrorists working as individuals, such as Timothy McVeigh, and those working in groups, such as Al-Qaida, over the last two or three decades. He goes on to discuss the problems of countering these terrorists and the possible forms terrorism could take in the future.

Fascinating reading, this book will prove extremely informative to any student or reasearcher of this complex modern-day issue.

Middle East: Geography and Geopolitics

Edited by: Ewan Anderson

A concise and accessible survey of this topical and complex subject, this is the first book of its type to focus on the terrorists, and their psychology, in an historical context.

Middle East is a lively and much-needed update of a well-respected work. Based on W. B. Fisher's book of the same name published in 1978, Anderson provides a comprehensive account of the physical geography which has been so instrumental to the make-up of the geopolitics of the region. The book also covers the sociology, religion, society and economy of the region.

With comprehensive illustrations and maps, it provides an excellent synopsis and critique of the complexities which have made this an intriguing and important regional geographical study.

The Modern Middle East

Edited by: Ilan Pappé

This groundbreaking contribution to a more comprehensive view of the region in a post-September 11th world, is the first introductory textbook on the modern Middle East to focus on the urban, rural, cultural and women's histories of the region over its political and economic history. Distancing himself from more modernizationist approaches, the author is concerned with the ideological question of whom we investigate in the past rather than how we investigate the past.

Ilan Pappé begins his narrative at the end of the First World War with the Ottoman heritage, and concludes at the end of the twentieth century with the political discourse of Islam.

The Modern Middle East:

• includes a carefully argued introduction which discusses the methodology used in the textbook
• provides a thematic and comparative approach to the region, helping students to see the peoples of the Middle East and the developments that affect their lives as part of a larger world
• includes insights gained from new historiographical trends and takes a critical approach to conventional state- and nation-centred historiographies
• includes case studies, debates, maps, photos, an up-to-date bibliography and a glossarial index.

Accessible and original, The Modern Middle East is essential introductory reading for students on history or politics courses, as well as for journalists and those working in the region.

Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices

Edited by: Andrew Rippin

This concise and authoritative guide provides a complete survey of Islamic history and thought from its formative period to the present day. It examines the unique elements which have combined to form Islam, in particular the Qu'ran and the influence of Muhammad, and traces the ways in which these sources have interacted historically to create Muslim theology and law, as well as the alternative visions of Islam found in Shi'ism and Sufism.

Combining core source materials with coverage of current scholarship and of recent events in the Islamic world, Andrew Rippin introduces this hugely diverse and widespread religion in a succinct, challenging and refreshing way. Using a distinctive critical approach which promotes engagement with key issues, from fundamentalism and women's rights to problems of identity and modernity, it is ideal for students seeking to understand Muslims and their faith.

The improved and expanded third edition now contains brand new sections on twenty-first century developments, from the Taliban to Jihad and Al Qaeda, and includes updated references throughout.