Governance through Faith: Islamic Conservatism in the Leadership of Mahathir, Sharif, and Erdoğan
摘要
This chapter discusses the Islamic conservatism of three prominent national leaders: Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia, Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey. The chapter examines how each leader has integrated traditional Islamic principles into their political agendas and national governance. Though each leader operates within distinctive cultural and political contexts, all three leverage Islamic conservatism to foster national unity and shape socio-political structures. Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership is explored for his strategic blending of modernity with Malay-Islamic values, which has been pivotal in Malaysia’s development narrative. Nawaz Sharif’s tenure is analysed in terms of his approach to embedding Islamic law and norms within Pakistan’s socio-political fabric to solidify his political base. Conversely, Erdoğan’s influence demonstrates a redefinition of Turkish identity through the lens of Islamic conservatism, challenging the country’s staunchly secular foundations established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.