Religion and Global Conflicts

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Questions and Answers

What was one main goal of Osama bin Laden and the Al Qaeda Network regarding American influence?

To remove Western influences only from Saudi Arabia

To eliminate American influence from the entire Muslim world (correct)

To expand American presence in the Middle East

To establish a new global economic order

Which event is cited as a dramatic increase in global jihadi terrorist attacks?

The civil unrest in Algeria

The Madrid train bombings in 2004 (correct)

The attack on the World Trade Center in 2001

The invasion of Afghanistan

What perception did many in the Muslim world have regarding the Iraq invasion in 2003?

It was solely focused on establishing democracy

It was unrelated to the Muslim faith

It was a collaborative effort for peace

It was an attempt to control Middle East politics and resources (correct)

What was one consequence of secular ideologies according to the content?

They often resulted in frustration due to unmet material promises Signup and view all the answers

Which religion's nationalism emerged in Mongolia during the early 1990s?

Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

What did the global jihadi terrorist attacks aim to highlight?

The notion of the world being at war Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception did those who viewed the Iraq invasion as part of America’s war on Islam hold?

That violence was a justified defense of the Muslim faith Signup and view all the answers

Which terrorist attack occurred in 2005?

London subway and bus bombings Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of religion being justified in terms of conflicts?

Conflicts became more intractable. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the isolated religious outbursts mentioned?

They had a common moral critique of secular politics. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the internationalization of religious rebellion in the 1980s?

Formation of Hamas. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the consolidation of power by Muslim extremists in the late 20th century?

Assassination of political leaders like Sadat. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was formed in response to the Israeli controlled Palestine situation in the 1980s?

Hamas. Signup and view all the answers

Which movement is known for its violent resistance against the Sri Lankan government?

Buddhist activists. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major characteristic of the global war in the 2000s as part of the five stages of global religious rebellion?

It continued the trend of regional conflicts being internationalized. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary challenges brought about by globalization?

Loss of cultural identity Signup and view all the answers

How does religion respond to the problem of identity in a globalized world?

By fostering a sense of belonging among followers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three problems brought about by globalization?

Independence Signup and view all the answers

What role does traditional religious leadership play in times of crisis?

It provides a sense of accountability and moral standards. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of globalization and crisis, what is a key feature of religion?

It offers a sense of security to its followers. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a misconception about the relationship between globalization and religion?

Religion has become irrelevant in managing global issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way globalization impacts community structures?

Communities struggle to maintain homogeneity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notion of 'safe harbor' in religion imply?

A community where one finds security and belonging. Signup and view all the answers

What form of activism was primarily responsible for the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia in 2011?

Nonviolent movements Signup and view all the answers

Which social media platforms were instrumental in organizing protests during the uprisings?

Facebook and Twitter Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is one method by which religion provides empowerment in protests?

Offering a sense of dignity and honor Signup and view all the answers

What did the uprising in Tahrir Square demonstrate regarding violent movements?

Nonviolent resistance can be strategically legitimate Signup and view all the answers

How does the political head of the Hamas movement view a death in a suicide bombing?

As a means to regain dignity and honor Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to be a unifying theme in both religious violence and nonviolent resistance?

The search for ultimate order and meaning Signup and view all the answers

What concept is highlighted as a response to humiliation in the context of religious and political movements?

The restoration of dignity Signup and view all the answers

What does the content imply about the nature of success in struggles, whether violent or nonviolent?

Success lies in the act of waging the struggle itself Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Religion in Global Conflict

Scholars predicted religion would diminish in the modern period due to secularization.
Surprisingly, religion has played a significant role in global conflicts during the 20th and 21st centuries.
Social conflicts often have roots in identity and economic/power issues.
When conflicts are framed in religious terms (e.g., "sacred combat"), they become more intractable.
This can make negotiated settlement less likely.

Five Stages of Global Religious Rebellion Against Secular Politics

Isolated Religious Outbursts (e.g., 1970s/80s): Various examples outlined, including Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Iranian revolutions.
Internationalization of Religious Rebellion (1980s): Emergence of radical Islamic groups in Afghanistan, and related movements.
Anti-American and Anti-European Sentiments (1990s): Growing opposition to Western influence, particularly in the Muslim world.
The Global War in the 2000s: Events such as 9/11, and the perception of a global religious war.
Non-violent Uprisings: Examples like the Arab Spring, showing a shift away from violent protest.

Isolated Religious Outbursts

The 1974 "Total Revolution" (Hindu) against corruption.
Ayatollah Khomeini's revolt against the Shah of Iran (1979)
Khalistani movement of Sikh separatists in North India (1980s).
Buddhist and Tamil resistance movements in Sri Lanka.
Muslim Extremists' actions that resulted in the assassination of President Anwar Sadat in 1981

Internationalization of Religious Rebellion in the 1980s

Rise of radical Muslim Jihadis during the Afghan war.
Creation and increase in Muslim movements in Israeli-controlled Palestine.
Development of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Formation of Hamas in Palestine.

Anti-American and Anti-European Sentiments in the 1990s

Shifting political focus away from local regimes to international centers of power (e.g., US and Europe).
Perception of economic interests driving Western global policies
Religious conflicts (e.g., in Algeria).
Religious dissent to Western secular values
Catastrophic interpretations of Western policy (e.g., by Aum Shinrikyo).
Muslim activists criticizing US economic interests in the Middle East (e.g., oil).

The Global War in the 2000s

Attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon (9/11).
Global jihadi terrorist attacks – aiming to challenge the Western-led order.
War on Terror response by US.

Non-Violent Uprisings

Tahrir Square uprising in Egypt (2011)
Similar protests across the Arab world.
These protests leveraged social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).
These uprisings questioned the strategy and morality of violent jihad.

Symbolic Empowerment

Religion can be used to empower protestors in both violent and non-violent protests.
It can give a sense of ultimate order/purpose/meaning in the face of chaos/uncertainty/danger and loss.
It helps in coping with the most difficult moments in life (e.g., loss, death).

Religious Resurgence in the Era of Globalization

Religion's re-emergence in times of crisis (e.g., globalization), is not surprising given its role in helping people cope with challenging times.
Globalization has created a scale of social crisis never seen before, causing a global response.

Three Problems Brought About by Globalization

Issues of identity (how communities maintain cohesion when spread across borders).
Issues of accountability (how international systems can be controlled).
Issues of security (how people can feel safe in a world lacking clear cultural or moral standards).

Religion Provides Answers for the Three Problems

Provides a feeling of belonging/identity.
Provides a sense of accountability/structure/moral conduct.
Offers a sense of stability/security/meaning.

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Description

Explore the critical role of religion in shaping global conflicts during the 20th and 21st centuries. This quiz delves into the connection between social identity, power struggles, and the resurgence of religious movements against secular politics. Assess your understanding of key events and stages of religious rebellion worldwide.