Political Islam, Justice and Governance

"Political Islam, Justice and Governance" (Palgrave, 2019) argues that political Islam (represented by its moderate and militant forms) has failed to govern effectively or successfully due to its inability to reconcile its discursive understanding of Islam, centered on literal justice, with the dominant neo-liberal value of freedom. Consequently, Islamists' polities have largely been abject, often tragic failures in providing a viable collective life and sound governance. This argument is developed theoretically and supported through a set of case studies represented by the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt (under President Muhammad Morsi's tenure), Hassan Turabi's National Islamic Front in Sudan and The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). It is ideal for audiences interested in Regional Politics, Islamic Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies.

Professor Lo works primarily on Arabic discourse with a sub-specialization in the sociology of Islam, Islamic militancy, theories of civil society, in addition to the development of Arabic language and culture in Africa, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) & oral proficiency-based language teaching and testing. Lo's scholarly interests are intertwined with his teaching. Lo's teaching drives his desire to know, explore and engage. His research informs his approach to teaching and commitment to his students, colleagues and communities.