Muslim Political Participation in Europe

'This book provides a foundation for the study of Muslim political participation in Europe. In particular it will contribute to undermining the essentialist stereotypes which have poisoned much of European debate about Muslims.' Samim Akgönül, Professor at Strasbourg University, Executive Editor of Journal of Muslims in Europe To what extent are Muslims in Europe 'integrated'? Muslims are increasingly making themselves noticed in the political process of Europe. But what is happening behind the often sensational headlines? This book looks at the processes and realities of Muslim participation in local and national politics in a range of Eastern and Western European countries: voting patterns in local and national assemblies, membership of elected councils and national parliaments, and the tensions between ethnic, political and religious identities. It also asks how political participation and wider integration issues interrelate and considers how Muslims - as ethnic groups, or through specific institutions - seek to locate themselves within European political society. Key Features - Includes 16 chapters presenting up-to-date research on European Muslim political participation - Case studies include the Respect Party in the UK, the ethnic and religious identity of Tatars in Lithuania and Poland, and the French Muslim crisis - Focuses on issues such as Muslim women, class and youth - Covers Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom Jørgen S. Nielsen is Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Copenhagen. He is the author of Muslims in Western Europe (3rd edition, Edinburgh University Press, 2004), and editor of a number of recent books, including Islam in Denmark: The Challenge of Diversity (2012) and Yearbook of Muslims in Europe (2009). Cover image: 2010 General Election, The British Public Go To The Polls (c) Dan Kitwood/Getty Images. Cover design: [EUP logo] www.euppublishing.com