Religion as a Globalizing Force

Section 1: Religion as a Globalizing Force

• Religion and state have historically collaborated to achieve both spiritual and secular goals.

• Ancient and medieval times show a merging of religious and state interests, a pattern that continues in some states today.

• Buddhism spread globally via the Silk Road.

  • Westward: Buddhism spread to Afghanistan, Bengal, and Central Asia.
  • Eastward: Buddhism spread to China, Korea, and Japan.
  • Buddhism returned to Tibet and influenced regions like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

• Buddhist missionary activities established Buddhism in remote regions.

• Silk trade bolstered Buddhist trade networks, and cultural exchanges stimulated by Buddhist relics.

• Artistic globalization: The Gandhara art style fused Greco-Roman and Indian elements.

• The Buddha's depiction revolutionized Buddhist imagery.

• Buddhist art influenced Central Asian and Chinese monastic and architectural styles.

Section 2: Christianity and the Crusades

• The First Crusade (1095) aimed to reclaim the Holy Land, which is considered an early example of European colonialism.
• Crusaders were motivated by territorial ambitions and economic incentives (trade routes).
• The First Crusade affected social dynamics within Europe due to peasant seeking economic and religious relief.
• Arab nationalists criticized the Crusades as imperialistic.

Section 3: Juergensmeyer's Stages of Religious Resurgence

• Religion responds to crises in globalization and secularism in distinct stages.
• Stage 1 (1970s–1980s): Isolated outbreaks, including the Iranian Revolution (1979), Sikh separatists in Punjab (1980s), and Buddhist activism in Sri Lanka.
• Stage 2: Internationalization of Religious Rebellion - Afghan Jihad (1980s), and United radical Muslims globally.
• Stage 3 (1990s-): Anti-Western Sentiment, focusing on global centers such as the US and Europe.

Section 4: Global War (Post-9/11)

• 9/11 attacks: Coordinated by global jihadist groups, marking a shift in religious conflict, intertwining with secular conflicts.
• A global "War on Terror" arose as a result of the 9/11 attacks, which impacted religious and secular conflicts around the world.

Section 5: Non-Violent Uprisings (Arab Spring)

• Peaceful revolutionary movements, such as the Tahrir Square protests in 2011.
• Protests by young, educated activists, emphasizing religious inclusivity.
• Demonstrated peaceful alternatives to violent jihadist tactics.

Section 6: Religion in Modern Global Conflicts (Themes)

• Identity: Religion serves as a cultural anchor amid globalization.

Section 7: Global Migration (Overview)

• Types of migration: Internal (within a country), and International (across borders).
• Key factors driving migration: Economic (higher wages), social (political/religious freedom), and environmental pressures (like rising sea levels).
• Migrants' impact: Economic (remittances), and the creation of more culturally diverse societies (but potentially cultural tensions).

Section 8: Global Migration (Challenges)

• Challenges of globalization include overcrowded urban centers and food security concerns.
• Possible strain on resources worldwide due to population growth.
• Cultural diversity can create tensions, as seen in anti-immigrant movements in Europe.
• "Brain drain" may negatively affect developing nations.

Explore how religion, notably Buddhism and Christianity, has served as a powerful force in globalization throughout history. This quiz covers the historical interplay between religion and state, the spread of Buddhism through trade routes, and the artistic influences that emerged from these interactions.