Malcolm argues that the Ottomans were not just external threats to be feared, but in Western thought. Thinkers used Ottoman examples to:
This guide outlines the key themes and historical arguments in by Sir Noel Malcolm. Useful Enemies: Islam and the Ottoman Empire in...
their own political flaws through the concept of "despotism". Malcolm argues that the Ottomans were not just
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: Early on, many Westerners viewed Islam as a
their own societies by highlighting Ottoman strengths.
By presenting Islam as a man-made tool for state power, Enlightenment-era thinkers could indirectly attack the divine origins of Christianity.
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"