Relations between the Muslim world and the West have gained significant importance, especially after the Cold War. Islam has 1.2 billion followers, making it the second-largest religion globally. It is the dominant religion in over 55 countries and also forms a substantial minority in Western nations like Europe and America. This rapid growth has led some to view Islam as a threat to Western stability in political, cultural, and demographic terms.

Historically, events like the Arab-Israeli war and the Arab oil boycott in the 1970s brought the geopolitical significance of the Muslim world to the forefront in Western consciousness. Subsequent political upheavals in Muslim-majority countries have often been framed in religious terms, further complicating the West's understanding of Islam and politics.

There are varying interpretations of Islam's role in politics, with different leaders and religious figures claiming to represent true Islamic principles. This has led to questions about who gets to define what Islam stands for in political and social contexts. This book, the fourth edition of Islam and Politics, aims to offer historical context for understanding current Islamic politics, describe Islam's role in modern political landscapes, and analyze challenges in establishing states and societies oriented around Islamic principles.