Unity through Division - Political Islam, Representation and Democracy in Indonesia

"This cleavage, while divisive, has been a strength of Indonesia's democracy, giving meaning to political participation and allowing a degree of representation not often observed in young democracies. While the recent resurgence of radical Islam and political polarization in Indonesian politics may have contributed to democratic erosion, these factors have simultaneously clarified political alternatives and improved perceptions of representation, in turn bolstering democratic participation and satisfaction. This compelling book effectively challenges the wisdom of the role of Islam in Indonesian political life and provides a fresh analysis for debates on democratic backsliding in Indonesia and beyond. Diego Fossati is Assistant Professor in the Department of Public and International Affairs at City University of Hong Kong. Dr. Fossati studies political behaviour, accountability and representation, especially in the context of Southeast Asia"--

List of contents

1. Introduction; 2. Explaining democratic survival in Indonesia; 3. The ideological roots of electoral politics; 4. Political elites and ideological competition; 5. Public opinion on political Islam; 6. Ideological representation; 7. Meaning and evaluation of democracy; 8. Conclusion.

About the author

Diego Fossati is Assistant Professor in the Department of Public and International Affairs at City University of Hong Kong. Dr. Fossati studies political behaviour, accountability and representation, especially in the context of Southeast Asia.

Summary

This book studies a puzzle observed in contemporary Indonesian politics: while the quality of democracy in Indonesia has deteriorated in recent years, public satisfaction with democracy has increased. To explain this development, the book studies ideological representation, an aspect of Indonesian democracy that is often overlooked.

Product details

• Authors: Diego Fossati, Fossati Diego
• Publisher: Cambridge Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 11.04.2024
• EAN: 9781009203067
• ISBN: 978-1-00-920306-7
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 14 mm
• Weight: 398 g
• Illustrations: Worked examples or Exercises
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Other religions; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Comparative and international political science; PHILOSOPHY / Religious, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Comparative Politics, RELIGION / Philosophy, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Islamic Studies, Islamic Studies, Politics & government, Comparative Politics, Politics and government, Philosophy of religion, Relating to Islamic / Muslim people and groups, Social groups: religious groups and communities