Overview

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.

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Reviews

Increasing globalization encourages terrorism, and the idea of 'one world' fuels violence: that's the concept in How Globalization Spurs Terrorism, which analyzes modern Islamic terrorism in the context of increasing world connections. College-level libraries strong in global studies will find this a fine acquisition. - The Midwest Book Review

<p> Increasing globalization encourages terrorism, and the idea of 'one world' fuels violence: that's the concept in How Globalization Spurs Terrorism, which analyzes modern Islamic terrorism in the context of increasing world connections. College-level libraries strong in global studies will find this a fine acquisition. - <p>The Midwest Book Review

Moghaddam has given us the Big Picture for better understanding radicalization and terrorism in the 21st century. His psychological analysis shows the deep wounds being inflicted by 'lop-sided' globalization, and the irrational reactions that can arise from people experiencing threatened identities and what they see as possible extinction for their way of life. This book also points to the vital role of women in developing a better future in the Islamic world, and to the importance of resolving the New Global American Dilemma-a dilemma associated with the rhetorical American support for freedom and democracy around the world, while at the same time propping up 'friendly' dictatorships. -Paul R. Ehrlich, Bing Professor of Population Studies and professor of biological sciences at Stanford University, member of the National Academy of Sciences and recipient of the Crafoord Prize, an explicit substitute for the Nobel Prize in fields of science in which the latter is not given.

Author Information

Fathali M. Moghaddam is Professor, Department of Psychology and Director, Conflict Resolution Program, Department of Government, at Georgetown University. He is also Senior Fellow at the Center for Interdisciplinary Policy, Education and Research on Terrorism. Dr. Moghaddam has been published extensively on the psychology of intergroup conflict, subjective justice, radicalization, and terrorism. The American Psychological Association's Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict and Violence awarded Dr. Moghaddam its 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award. His most recent books include From the Terrorists' Point of View: What They Experience and Why They Come to Destroy (Praeger Security International, 2006) and Multiculturalism and Intergroup Relations: Psychological Implications for Democracy in Global Context (2008).

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