(Organised by the Department of Political Science, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram on 8-9 April 2010)
(Theme Paper)
'Globalization' is commonly used as a shorthand way of describing the spread and connectedness of production, communication and technologies across the world. That spread has involved the interlacing of economic and cultural activity. Globalization in the sense of connectivity in economic and cultural life across the world has been growing for centuries. However, many believe the current situation is of a fundamentally different order to what has gone before. The speed of communication and exchange, the complexity and size of the networks involved, and the sheer volume of trade, interaction and risk give what we now label as 'globalization' a peculiar force. Globalization involves the diffusion of ideas, practices, and technologies. It is something more than internationalization and universalisation. Globalization results in the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa. Globalization, thus, has powerful economic, political, cultural and social dimensions.
Religious fundamentalism and terrorism in the twenty first century are the outcome of the impact of globalization on economy and culture. With the hard competition many economies in the developing countries witnessed acute poverty and unemployment. As such, the countries like India faced new challenges with the outbreak of new form of violence in the name of ethnicity, religion, caste, etc. Similarly, the impact of globalization on culture resulted in the rise of religious fundamentalism. India is one of the leading countries faced with the issues of terrorism and religious fundamentalism. While Kashmir and north-eastern states are generally viewed as terrorist hotbeds, South Indian states had been comparatively free from such threats for a long period. But with the intensification of globalization the south Indian states also faced major terror attacks and the active complicity of religious fundamentalism. As many as 19 out of the 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh are identified as nexal affected areas. Similarly, Islamic fundamentalism posed major threats in all the four major south Indian states. Moreover, Islamic fundamentalists were blamed for the terror attacks in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore.
The growth of Hindu fundamentalist forces was said to be responsible for the growth of Islamic fundamentalism. The Hindu fundamentalists’ forces often instigated violence against religious minorities in South India. The links of international terrorists with the south Indian religious fundamentalist groups indicate the grave threat the South Indian states face. The counter terrorist methods by the states and central government were backfired many times. Further, there were many questions regarding the effectiveness and rationale of the acts like Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2004, and POTA. Finally, the issue of terrorism inextricably intertwined with inter-state relations. As such, it raised many issues related to the states’ authority to deal with the terrorism as well as the power of Central government to handle such issues in all states inviting controversies on the federal nature of India.
Major themes
Globalisation, religious fundamentalism and terrorism : Theoretical Issues
Islamic Fundamentalism – Ideology and Strategies, role of religious organisations: South Indian context
Hindutva and the Role of Sangh Parivar - Attacks against religious minorities in South India
State and Terrorism in South India : Naxalism, Terrorism
International terrorism and their links with the South Indian states
Terrorism – Legal Issues
Terrorism, Inter state dimensions and federal issues
Call for papers : Papers are invited from University/College teachers as well as from Social activists. Send an abstract of the paper on or before March 20 and full paper by March 31 in the following address or email :
Dr.K.M.Sajad Ibrahim
(Seminar Coordinator)
Senior Lecturer,
Department of Political Science,
University of Kerala,
Kariavattom Campus P.O.
Thiruvananthapuram
PIN - 695581
Contact Mobile No- 09447337189
Email - sajad67@gmail.com
Selected persons will be provided train fare as per UGC rules and local hospitality. People from South Indian states will be given preference.
