Radical Religion and Political Extremism

Radical Religion and Political Extremism

Simply promoting freedom, democracy, and development – the neoliberal agenda – is not necessarily going to improve national security. When development does not correspond with a society’s moral base, it often leads to policy failure, political instability, corrupt development and ultimately societal radicalization. This is why there should be a “virtue-ethics” approach to foreign aid policy that has a clear place at the table for religion and faith-based organizations. Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement. Cite at least THREE (3) outside research sources in the formulation of your answer. Your answer should be NOT less than 750 words. Please explain in detail how the process of globalization, the quintessential symbol of progress toward modernity, has paradoxically also been a spur for the growth of fundamentalism. How is this possible? Your answer should be NOT less than 500 words. Course Texts: • The Global Resurgence of Religion and the Transformation of International Relations, by Scott M. Thomas, Desmond Tutu (GRR) • Londonistan by Melanie Phillips (L) • Rational Extremism: The Political Economy of Radicalism, Ronald Wintrobe (RE) • Islam in Europe: Integration or Marginalization? by Pauly, Robert. Aldershot, UK; Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2004. (IE) • Fundamentalisms and the State: Remaking Polities, Economies, and Militance by Martin E. Marty, John H. Garvey, R. Scott Appleby (FAS) Articles (via internet): • “The Radicalisation of Samantha Lewthwaite, the Aylesbury schoolgirl who became ‘the white widow’” by Zoe Williams. The Guardian. Friday 27 June 2014. (RSL) • “Samantha Lewthwaite: The shame of White Widow’s father who fought terrorism as British soldier in Northern Ireland;” Damien Gayle and Simon Tomlinson. Daily Mail. September 25, 2013. (SL)