The late Gordon Means was most recently professor emeritus of political science at McMaster University. His renowned publications include Malaysian Politics: The Second Generation and The Past in Southeast Asia’s Present, as well as the coedited Temiar-English, English-Temiar Dictionary and Sengoi-English, English-Sengoi Dictionary.

Gordon Means traces the evolution of Islamic politics in Southeast Asia, ranging from the early arrival of Islam in the region to the challenges it generates, and faces, today. Means's analysis encompasses both the events and actions shaping Islamic politics and the impact of Islamic politics on government and public policy outcomes. It also offers insightful answers to such questions as: how was the Islam that first came to Southeast Asia shaped by four centuries of colonial rule? Are democracy and political Islam compatible? Is Islamic radicalism gaining ground in the region, and what are its prospects for establishing a system of Islamic governance? Is there open opposition to radical Islam? A fundamental issue raised in the book is whether contemporary regimes in the region have the capacity to address key issues of economic and social equity, not only to meet basic needs, but also to compete effectively in a globalized world economy. This book traces the evolution of Islamic politics in Southeast Asia, ranging from the early arrival of Islam in the region to the challenges it generates, and faces, today.