This book attempts to frame the problems of the Muslim world, specifically Southeast Asia, as part of challenges facing societies everywhere, namely the problem of development. It is thus a unique collection of essays from a diverse range of economists, sociologists, political scientists and policy analysts. Through discussing the problem of Islamic societies in such a universal framework, this book will appeal to not only those wishing to know about Southeast Asian Muslim societies but would provide insights to the problems of development applicable to many other contexts.