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Ioana Emy Matesan is Assistant Professor of Government at Wesleyan University. Her research focuses on contentious politics and the politics of the Middle East, with a particular interest in political violence, democratization and Islamist movements. Her current book project explores why groups adopt or abandon violence, and how tactical and ideological change happens within Islamist movements, with a focus on Egypt and Indonesia. Her articles have appeared in Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, Terrorism and Political Violence, Journal of Strategic Security, and Nations and Nationalism. She holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from Monmouth College, a Master’s degree from Arizona State University, and a PhD from Syracuse University.
Democracy, Inclusion and Political Moderation: Lessons from Religious Movements in the Middle East and Indonesia
There is a longstanding argument that inclusion in the political process can moderate Islamist groups. Looking at the evolution of Islamic movements in Egypt and in Indonesia, this essay suggests that patterns of informal inclusion, the nature of regime repression and the role of state ideology can all have significant impacts on the diversity of religious life and mass appeal of reformist voices.
