By viewing Islamic fundamentalism as a reactive response to modern challenges and political structures, this book presents a striking analysis of how and why Islamic values have become such a potent contemporary political force, and sheds new light on a much-misunderstood situation. This revised edition offers a rigorous definition of the modern Islamist movement by linking its connotations to the historical background of Muslim traditions. It includes an entirely new section dealing with post-1997 aspects; a section on al-Qaeda and the aftermath of 9/11, as well as a discussion of the global reach of Islamism. This comprehensive volume also explores the advent of a new wave of Islamism and its manifestations in Western countries. "Islamic Fundamentalism" concludes with an overall evaluation of the future prospects of Islamism and alternative Western policies ranging from direct confrontation to political dialogue.