This book explores the challenge posed by the immersion of 15 million Muslims in Western democracies and the few, but volatile, terrorists present within the larger body of believers. The fact that immersion in Western culture is insufficient to stem the tide of extremism is discussed, along with the factors that contribute to the growth of radical Islam, such as the presence of charismatic, authoritarian leadership, educational options that downplay critical thinking, and colonialism. Hope that radical Islam can be kept to a minimum in Western societies is provided by the Islamic concept of Ijtihad, through which Muslims reinterpret their own religion. Just as mainstream Mormons have dispensed with polygamy and Christians with witch-hunting, Muslims in Western societies have the potential to minimize the growth of radicalism.
Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Brian R. Farmer is a professor of social sciences at Amarillo College. He has published numerous books on American conservativism.

Brian R. Farmer
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 258
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-5953-7
eISBN: 978-0-7864-6210-0
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Preface 1

 1 • The Western Islamist Challenge 7

 2 • The Authoritarian Personality: Piety and Immorality 20

 3 • The Islamist Influence in Western Democracies 33

 4 • The Culture-Clash Thesis 49

 5 • Western Approaches to the Challenge of Islam 73

 6 • Bones of Contention 92

 7 • Islamist Terror in the West 107

 8 • The Boys Next Door: Western Islamists 129

 9 • Western Freedoms and Jihad 167

10 • Islamism and the Internet 188

11 • Hope: The Evolution of Islam 196

Chapter Notes 215

Bibliography 233

Index 245

“a useful explication of a serious and complex issue”—Booklist; “worth reading…recommended”—Choice.