Description
Book SynopsisDrawing on a range of previously unexamined sources, this comparative study of two contemporary Arab nations proposes a compelling new theory that accounts for the complexities of religion-state dynamics across the Arab world. These case studies will appeal to anyone keen to understand the post-uprisings Arab landscape, including both scholars and policymakers.
Trade Review'The apposite institutionalization of religion poses a political quandary for many states in the Arab world. Regulating Islam deftly explores a cocktail of three factors: ideology, political opponent profile, and institutional endowment that interact to shape the state's stance on religion. Tracing the evolution in state policy on religious education in Morocco and Tunisia over the past 60 years, Feuer accounts for the variation found in these policies across time and case, explains paradoxical outcomes (e.g. traditionally-minded states that choose to reduce state support for religion) and introduces new concepts such as 'identity bargaining' where political leaders, faced with daunting political and resource constraints, 'split the difference' between linguistic and religious dimensions of identity, and ultimately privilege an emphasis on Islam in the state educational system. An enlightening contribution to the politics of religion in the Arab world and beyond.' Eva Bellin, Myra and Robert Kraft Professor of Arab Politics, Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University, Massachusetts
'Sarah J. Feuer combines theoretical sophistication with extensive fieldwork in Morocco and Tunisia to bring new insight into how governments regulate religion in general and religious education in particular. First she demonstrates that existing theories, while providing insight, fail to fully explain Tunisia and Morocco. She then weaves an intricate yet accessible and understandable theory based on the interaction between a government's ideology, its institutional strength, and the nature of its opposition to explain how governments formulate religion policy. This thoughtful and insightful book will influence how we think about religion policy well beyond Morocco and Tunisia.' Jonathan Fox, Yehuda Avner Professor of Religion and Politics, Bar Ilan University, Israel
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Toward a theory of religious regulation; 2. The Moroccan ingredients of religious regulation; 3. Striking an identity bargain in Morocco; 4. The Tunisian ingredients of religious regulation; 5. Balancing Muhammad and Montesquieu in Tunisia; 6. Regulating Islam after the spring.
