Review:
"Through a systematic, rigorous comparison of the trajectory of historical ideological conflicts in Europe during the last five centuries and today's struggles over Islamism in the Middle East, Owen draws insightful conclusions about the future of political Islam and U.S. policy responses. His book is sure to advance understanding of the defining ideological debate of our time--that of Islam's role in political transitions throughout the Muslim world."--Lisa Curtis, Heritage Foundation
"Many people talk about the 'lessons of history, ' but Owen actually delivers them. With erudition, balance, and good judgment, he uses the history of ideological conflict in the West to discern guidelines for how to deal with the challenge to American interests presented by contemporary Islamist politics in all its forms. This is a wise and well-reasoned book."--F. Gregory Gause III, Texas A&M University
"Critiques of Islamic fundamentalism rarely seek parallels in Western history. Owen assesses Islamism and offers perceptive, provocative comparisons to the historical conflicts among Protestants and Catholics, and liberals, socialists, and communists. Showing that the duel between Islamists and Muslim secularists is far from over, he explores how it has challenged and changed the West. Scholars, officials, soldiers, and students would do well to read this book."--Reuel M. Gerecht, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
"With an innovative approach, Owen provocatively argues that previous episodes and ideological battles in Western history can shed light on the questions and likely political developments in the Muslim world today. The topic is very important and will spark many reactions and discussions."--Jeremy Pressman, University of Connecticut
"Combining scholarship with important policy proposals, Confronting Political Islam successfully puts forth a set of recommendations for U.S. grand strategy toward Islamism. This engaging and accessible book does a good job relating past ideological struggles to the current 'long war' against religiously oriented terrorism."--Daniel Nexon, Georgetown University
"Shortlisted for the 2017 Estoril Global Issues Distinguished Book Prize"
"Owen is generous, rational and balanced. . . . [H]e is astute enough to understand the vast real-world differences that block the resolution of conflict."--Publishers Weekly
"[A]n animated, ambitious and thoughtful book."---Borzou Daragahi, Financial Times
"[P]rovocative."---Amb. (ret.) Anthony Quainton, American Diplomacy
"This engaging and thoughtful book by University of Virginia scholar John Owen looks back on a series of upheavals in Western history to better understand the Middle East's current travails and challenges posed by political Islam. . . . [A] wise and sophisticated book."---William Armstrong, Hurriyet Daily News
About the Author:
John M. Owen IV is the Ambassador Henry J. Taylor and Mrs. Marion R. Taylor Professor of Politics, and a faculty fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, at the University of Virginia. He is the author of The Clash of Ideas in World Politics (Princeton) and Liberal Peace, Liberal War.
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