By Michael D. Driessen.

“This is among the most important recent books on religion and democracy. Michael Driessen insightfully and convincingly challenges the prevailing wisdom among many liberal thinkers, arguing that religion and state are not only compatible in democracies but that a religiously friendly democratization process is possible. He supports this contention with an in-depth analysis of contemporary and historical examples from Catholic and Muslim majority states as well as a wide-ranging statistical analysis which also shows when and why this process succeeds or fails.” –Jonathan Fox, Professor in the Department of Political Studies, Bar Ilan University

“How can a religious community that is unfriendly toward democracy come to adapt itself to democracy? Few questions are more burning in global politics today, especially with respect to the role of Islamic countries. In his first book, young scholar Michael Driessen answers this question with creativity, careful research, and convincing force. He offers an answer that both secularists and religious people will have to take seriously if they favor democracy, stability, and peace. In doing so, he contributes a defining work to the still formative field of religion and global politics.” –Daniel Philpott, Professor of Political Science and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame

“By using historical cases that draw comparisons between political systems influenced by Catholicism and Islam, Religion and Democratization acts as a starting point for further debate about incorporating religious actors into the democratization process.” –Middle East Journal

“[P]rovides an excellent combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. This is an impressive and original work of comparative politics, based on detailed research in both political science and religious studies and fieldwork in Algeria. Highly recommended.” — CHOICE