Islam and democracy

Keywords

Democracy; Islam and politics

Abstract

The spread of democracy has been a policy on 'which Western governments, especially the United States, have spent millions of dollars. After the demise of the Soviet Union, the promotion of democracy internationally has replaced the strategy of containment as the central principle and objective of United States foreign policy. Thus, he diffusion of democracy throughout the world has served as America' s new global mission. The Muslim world is one of the strategic regions where efforts have been made to promote liberal democracy. This thesis asks, however, how receptive are Muslims to liberal democracy and what has been its impact on Islamic political and cultural systems Islam is a comprehensive and all-embracing way of life. It presents a complete code of conduct that encompasses all aspects of human association from the personal to the international. This study evaluates the complicated relationship between democracy and Islam and pursues the following questions. What do Islam and democracy have in common? Are there important differences between Islam and democracy? Are Islam and democracy compatible or conflicting in theory and in practice? In pursuing these questions, this thesis will co1npare the fundan1ental elements of Islam (not as religion per se, but as a political system and a way of life) and of democracy. Can these two systems blend to produce an integrated governing model? Finally, the thesis evaluates if the West, as expressed primarily in U.S. foreign policy, has been consistent in its efforts to promote and support democracy in the Islamic world. The research concludes that more trust between Islamic parties and secular governments is essential in order to avoid future tragedies, and to enable Islam and democracy to work together for the good of Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2003

Advisor

Morales, Waltraud Q.

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Political Science

Format

PDF

Pages

101 p.

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0029100

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

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