Later thinkers developed the "despotism" narrative to argue that the Sultan's absolute power over life and property was unnatural and destined for failure, using it as a warning for European monarchs. 2. Islam as a "Political Religion"

their own societies by highlighting Ottoman strengths.

The book examines how Western European thinkers used the Ottoman Empire and Islam as intellectual tools—or "useful enemies"—to debate their own political and religious systems during the early modern period. Core Argument

Early on, many Westerners viewed Islam as a Christian heresy rather than a completely separate religion, which led to Catholics and Protestants accusing each other of being "virtually Muslims". 3. Shifting Perceptions (1450–1750) The guide to Malcolm's chronological coverage includes:

By presenting Islam as a man-made tool for state power, Enlightenment-era thinkers could indirectly attack the divine origins of Christianity.

In the 16th century, writers often admired the Ottoman meritocratic slave system, which allowed talented individuals to rise regardless of birth.

Malcolm argues that the Ottomans were not just external threats to be feared, but in Western thought. Thinkers used Ottoman examples to:

Useful Enemies: Islam And The Ottoman Empire In... -

Later thinkers developed the "despotism" narrative to argue that the Sultan's absolute power over life and property was unnatural and destined for failure, using it as a warning for European monarchs. 2. Islam as a "Political Religion"

their own societies by highlighting Ottoman strengths. Useful Enemies: Islam and the Ottoman Empire in...

The book examines how Western European thinkers used the Ottoman Empire and Islam as intellectual tools—or "useful enemies"—to debate their own political and religious systems during the early modern period. Core Argument Later thinkers developed the "despotism" narrative to argue

Early on, many Westerners viewed Islam as a Christian heresy rather than a completely separate religion, which led to Catholics and Protestants accusing each other of being "virtually Muslims". 3. Shifting Perceptions (1450–1750) The guide to Malcolm's chronological coverage includes: The book examines how Western European thinkers used

By presenting Islam as a man-made tool for state power, Enlightenment-era thinkers could indirectly attack the divine origins of Christianity.

In the 16th century, writers often admired the Ottoman meritocratic slave system, which allowed talented individuals to rise regardless of birth.

Malcolm argues that the Ottomans were not just external threats to be feared, but in Western thought. Thinkers used Ottoman examples to:

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