Islam and Politics in Democratic Muslim-Majority Countries

This chapter offers a contextual backdrop for the ongoing literature on Islamism by tracing the scholarly discourse surrounding it and examining case studies of Islamist governments in the twenty-first century. It discusses the relationship between Islam and politics, often referred to as political Islam, and explores how Islamist movements navigate the political terrains of their respective contexts, influencing their trajectory towards democracy or authoritarianism. By laying out this conceptual groundwork, the chapter provides readers with the essential tools and analytical framework necessary to navigate the complexities of Islamist politics. It serves as a foundational pillar upon which the rest of the book builds, offering insights into the dynamics at play within Islamist movements. Furthermore, the chapter concludes with a discussion on religious hegemony, majoritarianism, populism, and policy choices. It underscores the potential risks associated with unchecked Islamism, cautioning against the tendency towards majoritarianism that may arise in the absence of liberal democratic constraints.