Globalisation, Religion and Secularisation – Different States, Same Trajectories?

Abstract

Taylor and Francis FTMP_A_511464.sgm 10.1080/14690764.2010.511464 otalitarian Movements and Political Religions 469-0764 (pri t)/1743-9647 (online) Introduction 2 10 & Francis 1 0 0 002010 Professor Jeff eyHay es jeff.haynes@londonm t. c.uk Around the world in countries at varying levels of development and different political systems, existing religion-state arrangements are challenged by changes associated with globalisation, including, inter alia, economic liberalisation, democratisation and the spread of human rights concerns. States and societies, many of which had previously seen themselves as rather homogenous, are now challenged by various cross-border flows associated with globalisation, that individually and collectively affect everyday life, as well as social and political structures. For example, immigrants bring with them religious beliefs and traditions that may challenge local ways of life, both religious and secular. In addition, economic liberalisation and increased consumer choice as a result of globalisation may also encourage apparent contradictions in traditional religious mores and norms and, as a result, can undermine or confront religious leaders and authorities. Further, changes associated with globalisation, and the reactions they evoke, may stimulate or encourage conflicts of various kinds in different states, both democratic and non-democratic, and pose significant political challenges to incumbent governments. The aim of this special issue is two-fold. First, in the context of globalisation, the goal is to understand emerging global–local interactions between the religious and the secular in various countries. Second, specifically, the objective is to examine the social and political consequences of the interactions in a number of Muslim countries in various parts of the world (Bangladesh, Morocco, Pakistan, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates) and non-Muslim states with significant Muslim minority populations (Bosnia and France). The special issue concentrates on both Muslim countries and on minority Muslim population in non-Muslim countries because they provide a useful focal point for the various impacts of current globalisation.