Conclusions

Abstract

Given the challenges confronting the Muslim world, how is it expected to be true to its Islamic faith whilst embracing modernity, liberalism and economic growth whilst halting the spread of Islamism? This chapter documents the large-scale empirics of our study and argues for a separation between religion and politics where political elites do not seek legitimacy on religious grounds. It also argues that where Islamist parties seek to enter the political sphere, state authorities and the general public need to ensure that these do not only engage in behavioural moderation but also ideological moderation. Moreover, political democratization is not possible unless intellectual dissidents are not only protected but also celebrated. Liberalism and political openness, however, will not occur without economic growth. As such, business interests need to be accommodated at the political bargaining table, and the Muslim world will need to adopt new technologies and invest in human capital and human development whilst creating the conditions for the private sector to thrive.