When we look at the “Muslim World” – particularly, but not limited to the Middle East – there are many countries which exhibit high levels of authoritarianism or anti-democratic tendencies. There are also many regions which are underdeveloped and riddled with conflict. The Western and/or neoliberal narrative is that the problem is with Islam in and of itself. 

This is an incredibly shallow way of looking at things.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Prof Ahmet Kuru, the author of Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment: A Global and Historical Comparison. The book is a deep dive into the rich history and politics of the Muslim World and dissects the issue in detail.