P/P/102. Political, social and economic reasons for the advancement of Islamic movements

The paper analyses the reasons for the worldwide advancement of Islamism that has been taking place over the past 30 ¹ 40 years. The definition of Islamic movement is given, its diverse make-up is described. The paper claims that the recent growth of the Islamic movements is caused by the failure of Western style reforms in the Middle East that was accompanied by the disillusionment over the Western values, ways and ideas (e.g. the idea of gender equality). Anti-western views of Islamic Fundamentalists are seen as a means to overcome social injustice and fill the gap left by the failure of the governments. Political situations in Turkey and Saudi Arabia are described focusing on the resentment of the people to secular reforms, increasing social and economic problems and support of the opposition movements.