Product Description

As the most populous country in Africa and a major oil producer, Nigeria has long been recognized as the dominant force in West Africa. But its standing within the broader international arena, especially its comparative position within the Muslim world, has been less well understood. Indeed, does Nigeria's influence extend beyond the region?

In this concise volume, John N. Paden answers this very question, contending that Nigeria is globally significant for a multitude of reasons, not least of which for the political resiliency it has demonstrated despite its complex ethnolinguistic and religious diversity. He argues that Nigeria, with a population that is almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians, could serve uniquely as a model for interreligious political accommodation and as a bridging actor in global politics between the West and the Muslim world. He concludes by calling on the United States to formulate better engagement strategies in the region and to support Nigeria’s political resilience by strengthening social, cultural, and economic ties, and by showing greater understanding and diplomatic tolerance toward the country.

Faith and Politics in Nigeria offers timely, clear, and astute analysis that will be valued by students and scholars of Islamic and African studies and provides keen recommendations for policymakers and conflict-management practitioners.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #720033 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 180 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781601270290
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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About the Author
John N. Paden is Clarence Robinson Professor of International Studies and Professor of Public and International Affairs at George Mason University. He has served as an international observer in three Nigerian presidential elections and is the author of numerous volumes, including, most recently, Muslim Civic Cultures and Conflict Resolution: The Challenge of Democratic Federalism in Nigeria.

Customer Reviews

Proposing a model for other Islamic countries to follow
A 'madrassah' is an Islamic religious school dedicated to teaching literacy and the Koran to the youth and adults of an Islamic community. Under the influence and control of militant Islamic fundamentalists, the community madrassah has been corrupted to incorporate the inculcation of violence against non-Islamic targets, as well as those elements of the Islamic community whom militant fundamentalism have declared to be heretical and illegitimate. Formerly a member of the Center for conflict Analysis and Prevention of the United States Institute of Peace, and currently a senior political scientist with the RAND Corporation, C. Christine Fair has compiled an analytical survey, "The Madrassah Challenge: Militancy And Religious Education In Pakistan" as the newest addition to the United States Institute of Peace Press' 'Perspectives Series" and has as her principle focus the use of these Islamic schools as incubators of Pakistan-based militants, the Pakistani government's efforts to deal with them, and the American foreign policy implications with respect to the arising concern about the use of the madrassah as a recruiting ground for Islamic terrorism. Insightful, thoughtful, informed and informative, "The Madrassah Challenge" is an important contribution to the national and international dialogue with respect to militant Islamic terrorism today.