A World Without Islam

“[A] must-read by one of the most thought-provoking writers on Islam and the Middle East.” —#1 New York Times–Bestselling Author Reza Aslan

What if Islam never existed? To some, it's a comforting thought: no clash of civilizations, no holy wars, no terrorists. But what if that weren't the case at all?

In A World Without Islam, Graham E. Fuller, a former vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council at the CIA, guides us along an illuminating journey through history, geopolitics, and religion to investigate whether or not Islam is indeed the cause of some of today's most emotional and important international crises. Fuller takes us from the birth of Islam to the fall of Rome to the rise and collapse of the Ottoman Empire. He examines and analyzes the roots of terrorism, the conflict in Israel, and the role of Islam in supporting and energizing the anti-imperial struggle. Provocatively, he finds that contrary to the claims of many politicians, thinkers, theologians, and soldiers, a world without Islam might not look vastly different from what we know today.

Filled with fascinating details and counterintuitive conclusions, A World Without Islam is certain to inspire debate and reshape the way we think about Islam's relationship with the West.

“Fuller has long been a voice of reason and calm in an otherwise hysterical debate. . . . A World Without Islam is a needed corrective.” —Los Angeles Times

“[Fuller] argues that the long and difficult relationship between the West and the Middle East has less to do with religion and more to do with disputes over land, resources, politics, and power.” —Neal Conan, NPR