Lowy Institute Papers | 16 October 2008

Zealous democrats: Islamism and democracy in Egypt, Indonesia and Turkey

The question is often asked 'What will Islamists do to democracy?' But it seems equally valid to ask 'What might democracy do to Islamists?' Anthony Bubalo, Greg Fealy and Whit Mason examine three different Islamist movements.

  • Anthony Bubalo
  • Gregory Fealy
  • Whit Mason

The question is often asked 'What will Islamists do to democracy?' But it seems equally valid to ask 'What might democracy do to Islamists?' Anthony Bubalo, Greg Fealy and Whit Mason examine three different Islamist movements.

Executive Summary

In this Lowy Institute Paper Anthony Bubalo, Greg Fealy and Whit Mason examine how three different Islamist movements, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the Prosperous Justice Party in Indonesia and the Justice and Development Party have sought to adapt to democratic politics and how in turn electoral or democratic participation has shaped the evolution of their ideology, policies and activism.

The Paper can be downloaded here.