Politicizing Islam in Austria

“Hafez and Heinisch's book is a timely, important, and innovative contribution to studies on the role of Islam in politics, of religion in society, and the instrumentalization of Islam for right-wing and conservative political parties' aims. The case of Austria – a European pioneer of right-wing government participation – clearly explains the institutional and discursive conditions of the politicization of Islam in a right-wing and conservative environment.”

~Birgit Sauer, professor emerita at the department of political science, the University of Vienna, Austria

"This book on the politicization of Islam in Austria is timely as we see the rise populism and radical right in Europe. The authors provide a rich overview of how political parties in Austria, including mainstream parties, have changed their discourse on Islam. A sharp and up-to-date picture of Austrian politics, Hafez and Heinisch’s book is important for anyone interested in the relationship between religion and politics in contemporary Europe." ~Sarah Wolff, author of Secular Power Europe and Islam: Identity and Foreign Policy