The he Muslim world since publication of the third edition of Islam and Politics has seen many changes. However, Islam has continued to play a significant role in Muslim politics from North Africa to Asia. Diverse Islamic states and republics may be found in countries such as Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Islamic movements and institutions proliferate and are major political and social actors throughout the Muslim world. New voices have been raised warning of the threat of political Islam or" Islamic fundamentalism" or of an impending clash between the Muslim world and the West.

Because of the impact of religion on countries and movements, this revision updates major country case studies such as Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, and Sudan and additionally expands its coverage to North Africa, in particular Algeria and Tunisia. It also extends its coverage of Muslim militias and organizations to include Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, in Palestine/Israel, and the Taliban, who have consolidated their rule over much of Afghanistan. In recent years, the issue of democratization has become a more prominent theme in Muslim politics. Islamic activists or Islamists have become more visible as social and political actors in mainstream society, creating a network of social institutions (schools, hospitals, clinics, youth centers, banks, and publishing houses), participating in electoral politics, and assuming leadership positions in professional associations. In particular, Islamic candidates and parties have emerged as the leading opposition, and have served in cabinet level