Islam and tolerance in wider Europe /

This is an excellent book of collected articles on tolerance and Islam in Europe, sponsored by the Open Society Institute's International Policy Fellowships Program. Participants have spent numerous years in field research as well as efforts aimed at democratization in their respective countries. Chapters cover changing identities in the European Union, the Caucasus, Russia, Turkey, central and eastern Europe, and North Cyprus. It is a very timely volume, as the EU evaluates the impact of eastern enlargement on its future, the dilemma it faces over Turkey and the failure of the peace process in Cyprus, and the apparent "clash" of cultures in Eurasia. Each chapter is rich in detail and provides valuable insight as to how EU expansion created serious challenges to the union, in the form of clashing ethnic and religious identities. Furthermore, contributors examine implications of these challenges for consolidation of democracy in each respective country. The writing is aimed at the general public as well as the academic and policy communities. Findings provide useful insight to policy makers as they tackle each complex case. This is a necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the complex issues surrounding religion and ethnic nationalism in greater Europe and beyond. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. B. A. Yesilada Portland State University