Temptations of power
Book Description
In an era when democracy and religious conviction intersect in complex ways, understanding the motivations and evolution of faith-based political movements becomes essential for anyone seeking to comprehend our interconnected world. Shadi Hamid offers readers a nuanced exploration of how Islamist parties across the Arab world have navigated the challenging terrain between spiritual ideals and political realities.
Drawing from extensive interviews with both leaders and grassroots activists, this work reveals how groups like the Muslim Brotherhood transformed from rejecting democratic participation to embracing it as a pathway for social change. Rather than turning toward extremism when faced with repression, these movements chose pragmatic engagement, forming unexpected alliances and adapting their approaches while maintaining their core spiritual commitments.
The 2011 Arab uprisings created unprecedented opportunities for these faith-based movements to translate their vision into governance. Hamid examines how the sudden prospect of real power tested their ability to balance religious conviction with democratic principles, revealing both the potential and the pitfalls of what he terms "illiberal democracy."
For readers interested in how spiritual movements navigate worldly power, this analysis provides valuable insights into the ongoing tension between maintaining authentic religious identity and participating effectively in pluralistic societies. The work illuminates how faith-based groups continue to shape political landscapes across diverse nations, offering lessons that extend far beyond any single region or tradition.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 269 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore General
- ✓ Explore Sciences politiques
- ✓ Explore Historia
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Explore Revolutions
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore Islamisme
- ✓ Explore Revolutioner
