Islam, Europe's Second Religion

"This excellent survey of Europe's growing Islamic communities presents a comprehensive picture of their diversity and complexity. It provides valuable insights into the often-difficult process of mutual adaptation and accommodation between European societies and burgeoning Muslim populations."--Ambassador Hugo Paemen, former head, Delegation of the European Commission in the United States

"The impressive breadth of coverage and the consistently sensible analysis give this work both immediacy and gravity: it is compelling on the dilemmas and opportunities of Muslim integration, and sharply observant on the implications of mutual accommodation for the future of the two world forces--European social democracy and Islam itself."--James Piscatori, University Lecturer, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Today, there are at least 15 million people in Western Europe who adhere to the Muslim faith or have close cultural or other affiliations with the Islamic world. Indeed, in the course of a few decades, Islam has emerged as Europe's second religion, after Christianity. What is remarkable about this phenomenon is that it has occurred gradually, generally peacefully, and in some measure as a consequence of the economic needs of European countries. Despite difficulties, aggravated by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Islam is slowly but inexorably becoming part of Europe's social, cultural, and political landscape. This volume examines this new landscape, analyzing and documenting the Muslim presence on a country-by-country basis. As such, it is an analytical guide to Islam in Europe.

Shireen T. Hunter is director the CSIS Islam Program. She is the author of numerous books, including The Future of Islam and the West: Clash of Civilizations or Peaceful Coexistence? (Praeger/CSIS, 1998), Central Asia since Independence (Praeger/CSIS, 1996), and The Transcaucasus in Transition (CSIS, 1994).