Highlighting its support for the goals of the open access movement, the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s Dr. Louay M. Safi, Professor of Political Science and Islamic Thought, has published “Islam and the Trajectory of Globalization: Rational Idealism and the Structure of World History” as an open access book through leading academic publisher, Routledge. 

The publication coincides with international Open Access Week, from October 25-31. The 2021 theme ‘It Matters How We Open Knowledge: Building Structural Equity’ aligns with the recently released UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, an important guide for governments around the world as they move to the implementation of open research practices.

Dr. Safi’s new book explores issues relating to the tensions and conflicts around globalization. He highlights the recurring tension between idealism and realism throughout history and in modern times. Various forms of realism have engendered highly dysfunctional societies producing waves of immigrants in constant motion from the South to the North. This realism has also fostered a social hierarchy that transferred external tensions into identity politics within the countries of the North. The book concludes by shedding light on the significance of the Muslim presence in Western cultures as humanity draws toward what could be recognized as the global age: the interconnectedness of the world having never been at this level before.

Commenting on the publication, Dr. Safi said: “‘Islam and the Trajectory of Globalization: Rational Idealism and the Structure of World History’ is a careful analysis and understanding of various historical stages that have led to the present moment of global convergence, and the role of Muslim diaspora within the broader global community. As a scholar in the field, it is not only wonderful to know that this book will reach a wider audience who can contribute to this dialogue, but it also showcases our determination at CIS to be part of a broader knowledge dissemination movement such as Open Access.”

Dr. Safi’s book can be accessed at tinyurl.com/safiglobalization.