Description: This volume explores the extent to which moderate Indonesian Islam is able to assimilate leading concepts from Western political theory. The essays explore how concepts from Western political theory are compatible with a liberal interpretation of Islamic universals and how such universals can form the basis for a contemporary approach to the protection of human rights and the articulation of a modern Islamic civil society.
Review Quotes: 'Asking whether Islam and democracy are compatible requires us to explore our understandings of both. This important book brings together thinkers from two very relevant countries - Indonesia and Australia - to pursue the theoretical and real-world complexities that lurk here. It should be read by commentators, policy makers, activists and scholars. M. C. Ricklefs, National University of Singapore, Singapore 'This volume draws together well-informed critical reflections from both Western and Indonesian Islamic perspectives on citizenship, democratization, pluralism, civil society, and the rule of law. The conversations that emerge from this highlight internal tensions and complexities of both traditions in ways that illuminate important aspects of their contemporary interactions.' Michael Feener, National Univerisity of Singapore, Singapore