Islamic Leviathan: Islam and the Making of State Power (Religion and Global Politics) - Hardcover

Seyyed Vali Reza Nasr is at University of San Diego.

"Islamic Leviathan transcends the usual discussions of political Islam and transforms our understanding of relations between religion and state. Adeptly balancing sophisticated political theory and effective historical analysis in case studies of Malaysia and Pakistan, Nasr has produced a
compelling reinterpretation of the centrality of religious politics to state power. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to move beyond the common cliches to a deeper understanding of contemporary religious politics in the Muslim world and beyond."--John O. Voll, Center for
Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University

"With superb analytic ability Nasr establishes mastery over his subject matter in his new book, Islamic Leviathan. In this remarkable social scientific inquiry into the relationship between religion and state formation in secular postcolonial states of Pakistan and Malaysia, he challenges the
prevailing assumption by discussing the historical involvement between religion (here, Islam) and the state formation. His thesis throws into doubt the cherished supposition that Islam is against or is incompatible with secularism and modernization. Indeed these states' appropriation of Islamic
ideology has enabled them to pursue policies that have enhanced such processes. Seldom has one seen a young scholar so prolific and yet so well informed and thorough."--Shahla Haeri, Department of Anthropology, Boston University

"Nasr explores in depth two particular developments of Islamism, one in Pakistan and one in Malaysia. Both are fascinating studies of how modern states can make varying uses of the exact same religion to achieve political goals."--About.com