Instrumentalisation of Religion in Electoral Politics

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Instrumentalisation of Religion in Electoral Politics is written by Syaza Shukri and published by Palgrave Macmillan. It's available with International Standard Book Number or ISBN identification 981952847X (ISBN 10) and 9789819528479 (ISBN 13).

This book examines the critical intersection of religion, democracy, and political leadership in three prominent Muslim-majority states—Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey. It offers a comparative analysis of the political careers and strategies of Mahathir Mohamad, Nawaz Sharif, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, exploring how these leaders have strategically instrumentalised religion to shape their political narratives, mobilise public support, and consolidate power. By examining the adaptive use of religion as a tool for governance, the book sheds light on the broader dynamics of religious politics in contemporary democracies. Using qualitative research methods, the book investigates the political rhetoric, policy decisions, and symbolic actions of these leaders, analysing how they navigate the tensions between Islamic principles and democratic institutions. Drawing on extensive historical and contextual data, it categorises religious instrumentalisation into three fluid strategies: conservatism, nationalism, and populism. This innovative framework offers readers a fresh perspective on how religion functions as a versatile political tool, making it highly relevant to scholars and practitioners in political science, sociology, and religious studies.