In a world of violence in which religion seems to play an increasing role, the understanding of the Religions of the Book, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is highly important. This book concentrates on these religions, all with common ancestry, that claim their mandates come from a holy text. These religions are embodied in both a text and a political purpose associated with a contentious nationalism and internationalism. Chan indicates their commonalities, especially in the political realm, but also their approaches to conflict with one another, within themselves, and with others who do not have a centralizing Book.

Stephen Chan was awarded the OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2010 – ‘For services to Africa and Higher Education’ – the same year he was awarded the International Studies Association accolade, Eminent Scholar in Global Development. Earlier a newspaper editor and literary publisher, and an international civil servant stationed in Africa, he has held responsible positions – including Deanships – at three British universities; held the George Soros Chair at the Central European University, and the Konrad Adenauer Chair at the elite Palestinian Bir Zeit University, among a string of other named and honorific appointments. He is Professor of World Politics at SOAS University of London, remains seconded to diplomatic engagements in Africa and the Middle East and heads the philanthropic Kwok Meil Wah Foundation. He has published 36 earlier scholarly books, five volumes of poetry, and three novels.