Democratic Values In The Muslim World

Democratic Values in the Muslim World

The lack of a single democratic government in any majority Muslim country has led many academics and commentators to wonder whether Islam is compatible with democracy, says Fattah (political science, Cairo U. and Central Michigan U.), but none of them take the next step and make any effort to find out. He explores whether the values and attitudes of Muslims obstruct or decelerate the democratization process in Muslim countries; if yes, why; and if no, who are the possible social agents of democracy in the Muslim world. He uses data from a survey of over 30,000 literate Muslims in 32 Muslim countries and in minority Muslim communities in the US, Europe, and India. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)