Secularism in Arab Societies

Secularism is a subject that occupies a pivotal presence in the religious, political, and theoretical debates taking place across the Arab world, especially in view of democracy's failure to entrench itself and replace authoritarian regimes, be they republican or monarchical. The periodic outbreaks of sectarian strife and their disastrous consequences illustrate the tragic absence of an official, firmly established system of secular rules and institutions.  Nonetheless, secularism has been making notable progress across the Arab landscape. Slowly but steadily, new and influential voices can be heard praising the benefits of a secular way of life. An obsolete option three decades ago, secularism now attracts the considered attention of statesmen, scholars, and observers of Middle Eastern affairs. Covering a range of topics, including state building, emancipation of women, and religious reform, Youssef Choueri provides an insightful overview of the emergence of secularism in the Arab world from ca. 1800 to 2025.