Islam Instrumentalized: Religion and Politics in Historical Perspective (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781316609002)

In this book, economist Jean-Philippe Platteau addresses the question: does Islam, the religion of Muslims, bear some responsibility for a lack of economic development in the countries in which it dominates? In his nuanced approach, Platteau challenges the widespread view that the doctrine of Islam is reactionary in the sense that it defends tradition against modernity and individual freedom. He also questions the view that fusion between religion and politics is characteristic of Islam and predisposes it to theocracy. He disagrees with the substantivist view that Islam is a major obstacle to modern development because of a merging of religion and the state, or a fusion between the spiritual and political domains. But he also identifies how Islam's decentralized organization, in the context of autocratic regimes, may cause political instability and make reforms costly.

Author: Jean-Philippe Platteau
ISBN-10: 1316609006
ISBN-13: 9781316609002
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 06/06/2017
Pages: 544
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.65lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 1.20d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 02/01/2019