A Political Theory of Muslim Democracy

by Ravza Altuntas-Çakir

Overview

Ravza Altuntaş-Çakır examines the ideals, institutions and processes that shape the development of a concrete Muslim-based democratic system – a form of democracy that recognises the centrality of religion in Muslim societies. Questioning the customary characterisations of Islam’s compatibility with democracy, the book adopts a comparative political theory approach that initiates a dialogue between Muslim and Western political thought. It systematically studies debates concerning Muslim political thought, multiculturalism, secularism, the public sphere and constitutionalism, which enables an exploration of Muslim democracy through a political theory approach, rather than a theological one.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781474479530
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	11/15/2023
Series:	Edinburgh Studies of the Globalised Muslim World
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Ravza Altuntaş-Çakır is an Assistant Professor at the Political Science and International Relations Department at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. In 2018, she obtained her PhD in Political Theory at Durham University’s School of Government and International Affairs. Her research interests are in the areas of Islamic and multiculturalist political thought, Middle Eastern politics, and comparative political theory.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part I: Typologies of Muslim and Multicultural Political Thoughts1. Islamic Discourses on Governance and Pluralism2. Multiculturalist Discourses on Religion and Democratic GovernanceGeneral Conclusion to Part I: Typologies of Muslim and Multicultural Political Thoughts

Part II: Deconstructing Muslim Discourses on Democracy3. The Compatibility-based Arguments

Part III: Conceptualising Muslim Democracy General Introduction to Part III4. Pluralist Secularism5. The Social Public Sphere6. Pluralisng ConstitutionGeneral Conclusion to Part III: The Conceptualisation of Muslim Democracy

Conclusion

BibliographyIndex

Editorial Reviews

In deconstructing the ‘Turkish model’, Ravza Altuntaş-Çakır adroitly unravels a contemporary paradox: the reconciliation of faith and pluralist participation. Her masterful exploration of Islamic writings and political theory substantiates that Muslim democracy can, indeed must, have normative roots. It is a bold and inspiring call to rethink democracy as merely instrumental and Muslim societies as narrowly doctrinal.

James Piscatori

A very cutting-edge and path-breaking work in the field. There are many political science texts on the phenomenon of "Muslim democracy" but this may be the first book that treats it as political theory or ideology. This will be a very important and influential book.

Andrew F. March