The Management of Islamic Activism: Salafis, the Muslim Brotherhood, and State Power in Jordan

SUNY Series in Middle Eastern Studies

by Quintan Wiktorowicz

"The Management of Islamic Activism examines the relationship between the changing nature of state power and patterns of Islamic activism in Jordan. Using extensive fieldwork, the author demonstrates how regimes continue to constrain the organization of Islamic opposition even after the advent of political liberalization. In the case of the Jordanian regime, control has been maintained through the "management of collective action" - the regulation of opposition through a complex array of bureaucratic and legal mechanisms. More specifically, laws governing civil society organizations are manipulated to encourage the formation of moderate Islamic groups while disempowering more radical activists. As a result, the radical activists have formed informal social networks that operate outside the state's control. Composed of like-minded Islamists, these networks evade attempts to manage Islamic activism through a loose web of personal relationships, small group interactions, and formal meetings. A comparison of the Salafis and the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan demonstrates how state management strategies shape these patterns of social movement mobilization."--BOOK JACKET.

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good exploration of Salafi Islam in Jordan. A worthwhile read!

[Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quintan Wiktorowicz is always insightful. This collection focused mostly on local community regulation. A unique insight into Muslim communities, regulation, and culture.

[Wibatsu Djali]

i can learn about friendship and brotherhood in my religion