The Paradox of political Islam: unity and diversity in the greater Middle East

Abstract

With the worldwide political changes brought about by the end of the Cold War, political Islam has gained new significance as a potential threat to U.S. interests. Assessments of the phenomenon have varied, ranging from an Islamic replacement for the communist global ideological menace to a more legitimate expression of social and political activism within Muslim countries. The United States does not have a coherent, long-term policy toward this resurgent ideological force. An objective assessment of political Islam must be developed to enable policy-makers to understand the true nature and aspirations of the Islamists, and to cra appropriate responses. This thesis argues that political Is lam is not a monolithic 'Green Menace'; while pervasive, and influence by unifying aspects of a common Third World 'crises' environment and the 'fundamentals' of the Islamic faith, it is paradoxically a diverse grouping of ideologies that is polycentric in character. These ideologies vary in specific origins and means of sociopolitic action, while emphasizing a political focus aimed primarily at the local, intrastate levels. Given the phenomenon's multifaceted nature, the U.S. must develop a similar diversity in its policy approaches.