“Iyigun has written a fascinating and detail-rich book on the links between religion, economic growth, and conflict over a broad swath of history. War, Peace, and Prosperity in the Name of God will appeal to scholars in a number of fields, including history, political economy, and religious studies, as well as being of interest to the broader public intrigued by the historical origins of differences in modern-day development.”
— Jacob N. Shapiro, Princeton University
"Why have monotheistic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—been so successful compared to other religions? Did the rise of monotheisms increase or tame conflict among societies? What does the spread of the Ottoman Empire have to do with the Protestant Reformation in Europe? What effect did the imperial harem exert on the war-making tendencies of Ottomans? How did the wars between the Ottomans and the Europeans shape religious differences and political institutions in today’s societies? Iyigun’s book provides surprising answers to these questions, weaving unexpected connections among religion, conflict, and prosperity over the long course of European and the Middle Eastern history."
— Dani Rodrik, Institute for Advanced Study
“Challenging many prominent theories of human history, this captivating book shows that competition among the world’s leading monotheistic religions was a more powerful driver of development than competition within them. Cogently argued, insightful, and entertaining throughout, it demonstrates that struggles between Islam and Christianity produced momentous transformations not only in Muslim-governed lands but also in Europe.”
— Timur Kuran, Duke University
“Iyigun presents a fascinating theory of the political and socioeconomic consequences of monotheism on world economic history. . . . [He] has done more than enough to convince the reader of the important and subtle connections between monotheistic faith, conflict, and long-run outcomes. . . . Monotheism is good for social stability because it permits an ecclesiastical monopoly that can legitimize and constrain rule; monotheistic societies therefore last longer and expand more rapidly; but, they must eventually come into contact with each other, and the importance of the 'one true God' dogma in monotheistic faith — the very element that makes monotheistic polities so successful in the first place — means that they are more likely to come into conflict once in contact.”
— EH.net
“Iyigun has compiled a wealth of historical data and information. . . . This highly stimulating book is worth reading for anybody interested in economic development, economic history, and political economy. It lays open a fascinating research agenda.”
— Economic History Review