This book contends that the impasse of the Left today is in part, a result of an anarchist ‘common sense’ among activists. The author argues that the vital dynamics of anarchism and social movements need to be combined with a reappraisal of the Communist party and state. While cynicism towards capitalism and existing political institutions is plentiful, this book argues that the Left appears mired in a reactive politics of resistance, unable to formulate programmes for substantive social change. Drawing insights from the history of the Left, political economy, contemporary critical theory and an in-depth study of Occupy, the author provides concrete suggestions as to how the Left might ‘claim the twenty-first century’ and realise a more equitable social order. Social Movements and Democracy in the 21st Century challenges activists and scholars to rethink social movements and political organisation, and to actively work towards enduring social change. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of social movement studies, Left theory, critical theory, political sociology and Marxism, as well as anyone with an interest in ‘political change’.
This book investigates if and how social movement campaigns influence European policy, a particularly pertinent question in today's political climate of disillusionment with Europe in many member states. Using a range of campaigns launched by social movement organisations, from genetically modified organisms and Internet freedom to trade union rights and water rights, Parks elucidates the important differences between technical and political campaigns. Technical campaigns are characterised by extended engagement with consultation mechanisms and the production of expert information, particularly for the European Commission. In political campaigns, social movement organisations target the EU at national and local levels, using strategies reminiscent of social movements as they are more commonly known. A comparison of the campaigns suggests that targeting member state governments with protest and harnessing public opinion is central to securing influence over EU policy, and that where national and local levels are made integral to efforts in shaping European policy, influence is more likely.
Information about Islamic finance in European countries is usually provided by professional-style reports, offering practical data on implementation of standardized products. However, precise developments about material legal provisions applicable to contracts and their actual legal regime are not often detailed. In order to fill this gap, 15 researchers from across Europe contributed to this project. They describe the state of actual Islamic finance in 10 European countries, as well as applicable EU law. By combining legal analysis with statistical description of existing practices and social demand, this book provides an exhaustive account of the current potential of Islamic finance in Europe.
By combining legal analysis with statistical description of existing practices and social demand, this book provides an exhaustive account of the current potential of Islamic finance in Europe.
Shah argues that the concept of self-defense in Islamic and International law is compatible. Al-Qaeda’s declaration of Jihad does not meet the Islamic legal test. Similarly, the invasion of Iraq does not meet the international legal test. Dr Shah examines those causes attributed to Islam and non-Islamic causes of terrorism and argues that the theory of ‘reactive terror’ provides the most plausible explanation for so-called Islamic terrorism. The nature of conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq is changing and Muslim leaders (not including Al-Qaeda or pro Anglo-American governments) may, by consensus, declare Jihad if the occupying forces do not withdraw. Such declaration would be according to Islamic and international law.
4 Dar Al - Islam ( Abode of Islam ) and Dar Al - Harb ( un - Islamic Abode ) Some
publicists tend to divide the world into Dar al - Islam and Dar al - harb . They
consider Dar al - Islam to be always at war with Dar al - harb until it is conquered .
This book engages the diverse meanings and interpretations of Islamic and Western law which have affected people and societies across the globe, past and present, in correlation to the epistemological groundings of those meanings and interpretations. The volume takes a distinctively comparative approach, advancing dialogue on crucial transnational and global debates over the history of Western and Islamic approaches to law, politics and society and their relevance for today. It discusses how fundamental concepts are understood and even translated from one historical or political context or one semantic domain to another. The book provides focused studies of key figures and theories in a manageable, accessible format useful for specialized academic courses and research as well as general audiences. These analyses will prove beneficial to scholars and students of religious studies, interreligious, intercultural, and international relations, political science, history, sociology, and related fields both within and beyond the Western and Islamic worlds, as well as generally educated readers who take interest in these issues and their ramifications.
This book engages the diverse meanings and interpretations of Islamic and Western law which have affected people and societies across the globe, past and present, in correlation to the epistemological groundings of those meanings and ...
