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Category: Middle East
Richard Nielsen on Deadly Clerics
What motivates some Islamic clerics to advocate political violence? Prof. Richard Nielsen (MIT) talks about the frustrated pathways that many imams — who see themselves as scholars — face. When their intellectual ambition is blocked by actions of the state and other social conditions, one possible pathway is to advocate rebellion. We are back from a short sabbatical and hope to have more fresh episodes in the offing. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Kenneth Vaughan on Consociationalism, Religion, and Lebanon (and more)
Lebanon is one of the more religiously diverse nations in the Middle East with a mix of Sunnis, Shiites, Druze, and Maronites. How does this country maintain stability and have there been any stresses to the political arrangement known as consociationalism that helps to negotiate these differences? Kenneth Vaughan, a PhD candidate in sociology at Baylor University, explores this question and also discusses his other research and experiences in post-Soviet republics and China. We can be found on many podcast aggregators. Find us on your favorite! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Jared Rubin on Religion & Credit Risk in the Ottoman Empire (Encore Presentation)
Return with us to winter 2016 when Prof. Jared Rubin explained to us why the economic, political, and religious elite did not always get the best credit deals in the Ottoman Empire, and what this all has to do with being a member of a minority religion. When we last talked with Jared, he was finishing up his book manuscript entitled “Rulers, Religion, & Riches.” Let this discussion give you insights into this fascinating work that helps explain the differing historical trajectories between two great world cultures, as well as a fascinating project he conducted with economist Timur Kuran (also a frequent guest on RoR). We will be returning soon with some crescent fresh episodes, so join us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Peter Henne on Religion-State Relations and Counterterrorism
During the 1990s, following the end of the Cold War, the United States began to ramp up counterterrorism efforts around the globe. Some nations proved relatively cooperative with these efforts whereas others did not. Prof. Peter Henne (University of Vermont) explains how religion-state relations condition the response of different governments to these counterterrorism examples. We examine this in a broad perspective and with specific attention to Pakistan, UAE, and Turkey. Subscribe to us for free on iTunes and other podcast providers. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Lawrence Rubin on Islam and Ideational Balancing
When it comes to foreign policy and international relations, can theological ideas promoted by one country become “weapons” or “threats” to other regimes? Prof. Larry Rubin (Georgia Tech) discusses how the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the Sudanese Revolution of 1989 affected the ideational balance of power in the Middle East and how Egypt and Saudi Arabia mobilized ideational resources to respond. Share the gift of knowledge this holiday season and tell your friends & family about our free educational podcast. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Ani Sarkissian on Politics & Religious Civil Society in Turkey (Encore Presentation)
In light of the interesting political developments in Turkey this past year, we dip into our archives to feature an encore presentation with Prof. Ani Sarkissian discussing the relationship between religious civil society and politics in Turkey. More new episodes on the way. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Clark Lombardi on Sharia Law
What is sharia law? And how are governments working them into their constitutions in contemporary Muslim societies? Prof. Clark Lombardi (University of Washington Law School) tackles these questions and several more in an informative discussion of the history and contemporary application of sharia law. He contrasts and compares canon and common law with sharia and has reflections on how this all affects good governance. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Jared Rubin on Religion & Credit Risk in the Ottoman Empire
When it comes to gaining access to cheap financial credit, we normally assume that the economic, political, and cultural elite in society will have a better chance at obtaining favorable loans. However, during the late Ottoman Empire, the wealthy, males, and Muslims were considered to be higher credit risks than the poor, females, and non-Muslims. Prof. Jared Rubin of Chapman University explains why this is, referencing a fascinating historical study he conducted with Prof. Timur Kuran (another frequent guest on our podcast). Visit us at Facebook and Twitter for updates and nifty photos to share with your friends! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Murat Iyigun on Monotheism, Conflict, Europe, the Ottomans, and the Blues
Did the Ottoman Caliphate have any impact on Europe’s socio-political and economic development? While we often examine Europe’s late medieval history in isolation from other world events, Prof. Murat Iyigun (University of Colorado) argues that the Ottoman Empire’s advances into southeast Europe affected the religious, political, and economic history of Europe in very interesting ways. We also look at the ability of monotheism to guarantee longer and more expansive sociopolitical control, and the influence of mothers on the military policy of Ottoman sultans. At the end of the podcast, we have a special treat — an original “arabesque blues” song, Muqarnas, written and performed by Murat! Subscribe to us on iTunes for free! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Paul Kubicek on Islam, Political Islam, and Democracy
Can democratic governance on a national scale coincide with Islam? Prof. Paul Kubicek (Oakland University) takes us on a comparative journey to show where predominately Islamic populations have existed successfully with democracy. While much of media and scholarly attention on the topic of Islam and democracy has focused on the Middle East, Paul discusses the interesting cases of Turkey, Senegal, Mali, and Tunisia, while also noting some of the difficulties in democratic transitions in places such as Bangladesh. He also shares his reflections on the Arab Spring. Connect with us on social media: We are on Facebook and Twitter. See the links in the column to the right. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] |
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