This open access book presents an international comparison of religiously motivated extremism
in the Arab world and around the globe. Based on data from the Arab Barometer and the World
Values Survey it applies advanced statistical techniques to analyze how religiously motivated
political extremism affects political and social outcomes as well as political violence. The
study clearly shows that identification with a political Islam that also influences elections
promotes religious and gender discrimination and advocates an Islamist interpretation of Islam
are the main interrelated syndromes of political Islam that together explain more than 50% of
the total variance of the 24 model variables used. A carefully and methodically flawlessly
researched work which is highly recommended for all those who deal seriously with this topic.
Professor Arno Tausch is clear-headed and possesses a remarkable ability to make the broad
picture of Political Islam accessible.Hon. Prof. Gunther Hauser Head of the Department
Strategy and Security Policy National Defense Academy Vienna Austria Methodological rigorous
scientifically sound empirically rich and combining the best of qualitative and quantitative
approaches Prof Arno Tausch has produced a tour de force on Political Islam. This study
reflects the best scholarship on the subject and will be of use to both policy makers and
academics.Prof Hussein Solomon Academic Head of the Department of Political Studies and
Governance University of the Free State South Africa
