Democratization, Inclusion and the Moderation of Islamist Parties

Jillian Schwedler examines three questions about the political inclusion of Islamist groups in the Middle East. Using empirical evidence from studies of elections in the region, she discusses whether inclusion or exclusion is a better strategy for deflating radical challenges. She concludes that inclusion is far more likely to produce an overall moderate political sphere, though it is unlikely to eliminate all forms of radicalism. Development (2007) 50, 56–61. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1100324