Regime change during the Arab Spring allowed Islamist political forces that had long been marginalized to achieve political influence in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. Morocco’s first government led by an Islamist party has been in power since January 2012. This trend caused widespread concern over the future direction of these states; but despite the tragic example of Egypt, few negative predictions have yet been borne out. The author cautions against an overly simplistic assessment of this rise in the influence and power of political Islam. He shows that the political crises besetting each of these Islamist governments are not necessarily of their own making, but instead are determined by objective circumstances. He describe how, in several key respects, the aims of Islamist parties are in line with U.S. aspirations for the region.

The Strategic Studies Institute recommends this monograph to all readers studying and working with North African states, U.S. policymakers, military historians, political scientists, think tank strategy firms, as well as those interested in the topic of political Islam more broadly. Military Science, national security, and global studies programs may find this text helpful for their research needs.

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