Religion - as reflected in the Iranian Revolution of 1978-1980, the rapid growth of evangelical Protestantism in Latin America, and the triumph of the mujahidin in Afghanistan in 1992 - has assumed great political significance in a number of Third World contexts. This book examines the positions of the two global religions, Islam and Christianity, within the context of Third World political change since the 1970s.

Haynes addresses the topic thematically, drawing parallels among different religions, cultures, political systems, and geographical areas. He concludes by noting that religion and politics throughout the Third World never became divorced, despite assumptions to the contrary. The recent resurgence of religion in politics is in a sense a "return to basics", albeit within a rapidly changing set of global circumstances.