Islamists and Social Movements

Since you have your midterm this week, the deadline for this question is not March 23, but March 30. This week, your readings focus on Islamist movements in the region. Carrie Rosefsky Wickham's book is concerned with the question of what has motivated thousands of students and professionals across the Muslim world to join the Islamic movement, despite the personal risks that such participation often entails. Compared to what you may have read on this topic in the past, what is different about her approach to studying Islamist movements? In our current 'post-Arab Revolts' environment, why do you think Islamists in particular have yielded such successes at the ballot box, in both Tunisia and Egypt?