How globalization spurs terrorism
Subtitle: the lopsided benefits of "one world" and why that fuels violence
By: Fathali M. Moghaddam.
Publisher: Praeger Security International
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Westport, Conn
Language: eng
Number of pages: 194
ISBN-13: 9780313344800
Subjects: Terrorism -- Religious aspects -- Islam; Terrorism and globalization; Islamic fundamentalism
Description: From the Publisher: This book explores modern Islamic terrorism in the context of globalization and cultural evolution. 21st century terrorism is different and new, first because it relies heavily on electronic communication systems and other aspects of modern technologies, and second, because it is in large part a product of fractured globalization, with its associated threats to the collective identity of Muslims. Part one of this work contrasts globalization as an ideal with globalization as it is actually taking place, with its enormous contradictions and threats. Moghaddam, a longtime and highly respected terrorism and conflict researcher, argues that globalization is resulting in serious threats to the basic psychological needs of some, particularly in connection with collective identity. Part two explores how globalization has brought sudden contact between different groups with no previous history of large-scale contact, resulting in a rapid decline in diversity. Terrorism is one of the dysfunctional defense mechanisms of people in such conditions, facing external threats. Part three describes long-term solutions, focusing particularly on the role of women and the nature of the family in traditional Islamic societies. Moghaddam shows us why globalization is resulting in what he calls catastrophic evolution, the rapid decline and disappearance of minority cultures and languages, and why that brings a clash of ideologies and the rise of extremism. There are also other dangerous trends, and those call for inspired solutions, springing from an understanding that traditional conflict-resolution, evolved in the shadow of the Cold War, is no longer effective and needs to change.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: A dangerous new world; title: The psychological citizen and globalization; title: Universal needs and the psychological roots of radicalization and terrorism; title: One world : globalization as ideal; title: Fractured globalization : globalization in practice; title: Intergroup contact and catastrophic evolution; title: Threatened identities, change and globalization; title: Universal rights and duties as explosive threats; title: The american dilemma becomes global; title: Afterward: The veiled solitude : women as the solution.