This book examines how the beliefs and practices of each of the major world religions, as well as other belief systems, affect the variables that influence growth and development in the Global South. Evidence suggests that as countries develop, the influence of religion on all aspects of society declines. In stark contrast to the developed world, in the Global South, the role of religion is highly pervasive - the distinctive conclusion of this book is therefore that a lessening of religiosity is a sine qua non for growth and development, including secular laws and constitutions. Offering a ground-breaking study in an area little explored in the English language, this book will satisfy an important gap in the literature on the political economy of development, sociology of religion, law, and anthropology.

... In this follow up to the acclaimed Multiculturalism: Some Inconvenient Truths Rumy Hasan examines a little explored but extremely important issue that has profound global implications A fresh look at the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, as it is shaped to become the iconic clash between a colonizing, aggressive Zionism and the Islamic states and cultures which surround it - a timely, broad-based and rich analysis of the civilizational conflict affecting people the world over, from the `War on Terror' to the complications of a multicultural Europe. A highly-recommended, fascinating and rewarding read on a little understood aspect of modern politics Prof Haim Bresheeth, SOAS, University of London A signpost to realities about the clash between Islamism and Zionism, Rumy Hasan's Dangerous Liaisons is important reading for those of us, reflecting on the chilling prospect of senior Israeli figures contemplating - a vital word - launching a pre-emptive strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, with incalculable consequences Tam Dalyell, MP West Lothian 1962-2005; Father of the House of Commons 2001-2005 A riveting tale, full of irony, and told in a true story-teller's way Terry Jones, writer, director, and Python Rumy Hasan's thorough analysis of the tensions between Islamism and Zionism is very welcome and should be widely circulated. It should be compulsory reading for our political leaders who seem to have no idea just how dangerous is their policy of unconditional support for Israel Baroness Jenny Tonge