Citation

Bouchat CJ. Stud. Conflict Terrorism 1996; 19(4): 339-352.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10576109608436014

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Often ignored as irrelevant or exaggerated out of proportion, Islam is poorly understood as a motivating force governing the relations between Western and Muslim countries. A better understanding of Western fears of Islamic fundamentalism and an explanation of Muslim actions in the international arena is gained by placing basic Islamic precepts in context. The greatest fear Westerners hold is of a united fundamentalist Islamic force organized against them, a fear reminiscent of the fear of communism. Although such fears are largely unfounded, other problems inherent in Muslim states due to Islam do threaten to destabilize the region. Sustaining relations between these two historically hostile camps entails reducing interference from the West while Islam allows itself to evolve from its tradition‐ridden bonds. Under the right conditions, the potential for the similarities of both sides to override the differences is good.

Language: en