Bringing together canonical and the best cutting-edge scholarship in one useful reference resource, the shortcomings as well as the successes of Islamism are fully examined in this three volume collection of seventy-five key journal articles on all aspects of modern political Islamism.

'Political Islam' here means political movements which argue that the state must be based on their interpretation of Islamic law, viewing this as an alternative to Arab nationalist, traditional monarchist, or semi-secular democratic states. Such movements may seek power through violence or elections. They also usually set up their own educational, social service, and cultural institutions to influence individuals and the society at large.

This work is organized into sections discussing the origins and world view of political Islam and its relationship with the issues of terrorism and democracy. The collection also includes a number of case studies that examine the ideas, strategy, tactics, leadership, and opposition to the movement both in the Middle East and in other parts of the world.