The Routledge Handbook of Political Islam provides a multidisciplinary overview of the phenomenon of political Islam, one of the key political movements of our time. Drawing on the expertise of some of the top scholars in the world, it examines the main issues surrounding political Islam across the world, from aspects of Muslim integration in the West to questions of political legitimacy in the Muslim World.

Bringing together an international team of renowned and respected experts on the topic, the chapters in the book present a critical account of:

-Theoretical foundations of political Islam
-Historical background
-Geographical spread of Islamist movements
-Political strategies adopted by Islamist groups
-Terrorism
-Attitudes towards democracy
-Relations between Muslims and the West in the international sphere
-Challenges of integration
-Gender relations

Presenting readers with the diversity of views on political Islam in a nuanced and dispassionate manner, this handbook is an essential addition to the existing literature on Islam and politics. It will be of interest across a wide range of disciplines, including political science, Islamic studies, sociology and history.

Shahram Akbarzadeh is a Professor of Asian Politics (Middle East and Central Asia) and Deputy Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic studies at Asia institute, the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on Islamic radicalism and Muslim identity in the West. He is published extensively and is a regular contributor to the public debate on Islam and Middle East politics.