In the last decades, manifestations of Islam as a political factor - islamic activism - and the reactions to it, have increasingly contributed to international tensions and clashes. These political confrontations have also had negative consequences for relations between Muslims and non-Muslims within European countries. Many people there now believe that 'Islam' is not compatible with democracy and human rights.In this book,the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy examines the development of Islamic activism in the Muslim world since the 1970s. Its focus is on intellectual development, the changed attitudes of Islamic political movements and the role and implications of Sharia (Islamic law) for the national legal systems of Muslim countries.The research demonstrates that Islamic activism offers many more reference points for democratization and human rights improvements than is often thought. The book also explores policy options for constructive engagement between
