K. Riddell: Islam and the securitisation of population policies: Muslim states and sustainability

Abstract

Muslims constitute around 23 % of the world population and this will increase over the coming decades. There has been a growing concern about the increasing size and trend of Muslim populations, both in North Africa and the Middle East, and in Europe and North America as hosts to Muslim immigrants. Furthermore, political events, particularly after the tragic ‘9/11’ event, have led to debates and discussions about the Islamic world. Comments and assertions about population issues of the Muslim world, and, particularly the implications of a growing number of Muslims in Europe and North America, are not always based on scientific evidence from experts in the field, and this has led to stereotypes about Islam and Islamic countries. The media has played both to the understanding and misunderstanding of Muslims, and thus, there is a great demand for presenting an evidence-based analysis of population dynamics, and its social and political implications in Muslim countries. Riddle in her book, ‘Islam and the securitisation of population policies: Muslim states and sustainability’ examines the securitization of population policies in Islamic countries, emphasizing the evolution of population policies and dynamics in Iran and Pakistan. It seeks to deconstruct the myth of the clash between the West and Islam by highlighting the areas in which they stand together, and co-operate as ‘effective partners in global sustainability efforts’. This book draws on various sources of information, possibly not otherwise available to wider international readership: for example, Fatwa on population and family planning issued by Islamic clergies, media statements, newspaper articles and other related information published in local newspapers. In addition to this information, the author has conducted in-depth interviews with such key informants as policy makers, population experts and health service providers during her fieldwork and observations in Iran and Pakistan. These qualitative data allow for a