Islam in a Globalizing World

By Thomas Simons and Thomas W. Simons Jr.

Book Overview

This book takes a historical approach to examining Islam's role in globalization. The author identifies complex historical and geopolitical trends in Islamic history, and constructs from these a clear assessment of contemporary Islam. Most important, the book examines historical trends from a perspective that contributes to an understanding of Islam in the aftermath of September 11. The author takes us through a review of the first Islamic millennium and Islam's role as a globalizing force, to subsequent changes in the Muslim world, through a comparison with earlier radical movements in Russia, and finally to trends in contemporary political Islam and projections for future developments. Along the way, the author points out many of the challenges Islamists have faced, some of their pitfalls, and some modernizing attributes of contemporary Islam. This accessible, timely book should be of strong interest to anyone with a desire for greater understanding in this transformed global environment.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804748330
• ISBN13: 9780804748339
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Stanford Law and Politics
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

A highly recommended contribution to Islamic Studies

Islam In A Globalizing World by Thomas W. Simons, Jr. (Consulting Professor, Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University) is offers groundbreaking insights into the contemporary crises and historical roots of Islam in an contemporary era of globalization. Strenuously arguing that present-day Islamic terrorists can and will be increasingly marginalized as Islam progresses toward modernity, and providing an overview of the diverse changes which emerged during the eras comprising the first thousand years of Islam (when Islam itself was a force for globalization), down to the modern day, when revolutions of "blood and iron" placed other powers at the forefront of the globalization trend, Islam In A Globalizing World is an exceptional work of insight and a highly recommended contribution to Islamic Studies.

Short, powerful, interesting and IMPORTANT book.

This is a short, powerful, interesting and IMPORTANT book. The text is only 69 pages and says more, more clearly than the likes of Lewis's latest books. The notes and annotated bibliography are also well worthwhile. Former Ambassador to Pakistan and now a Professor, Simmons has a modern, US viewpoint but understands that social, economic, and political analysis explains more than blaming everything on "Islam". There is some useful information and a thoughtful argument about recent history and what is now going on. One need not agree entirely to learn, to think, to better understand. Everyone interested in world affairs today would do well to invest in this book. However short it has great value; a book should not be judged by its cover -- or its length. Some may also find the comparisons, like that of Russia in the 1870s to Islam in the 1970's provide perspective.Those who know the Muslim world well might have liked a little more on non-Fundamentalist discourse or reminders about the glory days; others might be surprised how much is explained without much discussion of the (important) Arab-Israeli conflict.Thoughtful and refreshing reading.