In a new approach to Islamic enlightenment, this essay demonstrates that the future of the Arab world must necessarily involve adapting to democratic modernity if it wants to have a seat at the table, play the global diplomatic game, and be heard. A plea for democracy from Hicham Alaoui, son of Prince Moulay Abdallah and cousin of Mohamed VI, King of Morocco.

Since the 2000s, with the Arab Spring and the uprising of populations calling for more rights and justice, it has become clear that Muslim populations are yearning for greater democracy. They clearly want to take control of their own destiny. However, there remains the fundamental question of faith. This book highlights the importance of putting politics before religion, arguing that the future of Muslim countries depends on doing so. Prince Moulay Hicham calls this notion "pacting," or the need to resort to politics to resolve conflicts, and examines it in the light of two significant examples: Tunisia, which he sees as a "pact in the making", and Egypt, which for the time being, he deems "a failed pact."