An Islamic common market and economic development

Within the world's less developed countries (LDCs), indigenous social sciences need to address culture-specific issues. Western thought neglects or misunderstands the crucial role of culture. In the Islamic world, techniques of social analysis derived from outside sources are not completely beneficial, because those techniques might be specific to a culture other than Islam. The Muslim world may follow a suggested strategy of development, using Malaysia's growth as a case study. Malaysia should increase its ties with LDCs. The Muslim world should move toward a common market with three principal goals: a stronger Muslim bargaining position, free trade among member states, and better social and cultural relations among the Muslims. Trade barriers and migration restrictions must be dropped to achieve these goals. Although this proposal raises some concerns, such as how to deal with diversity, the possibility of a common market nonetheless merits attention.