Question 1

In the modern era, radical Islamists have become the predominant perpetrators of religious terrorism. Why has this occurred? Explain the motives of modern radical Islamist violence.

Accepted Answer

There are several factors that have contributed to the rise of radical Islamist terrorism in the modern era. One of the main reasons is the spread of extremist ideologies within certain segments of the Muslim community. These ideologies often promote the use of violence and terrorism as a means to achieve their goals, such as establishing a global Islamic caliphate or resisting perceived Western influence in Muslim-majority countries.

Additionally, geopolitical factors have also played a role in the rise of radical Islamist terrorism. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, such as the wars in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, have created fertile ground for extremist groups to recruit and operate. These conflicts have led to widespread instability, displacement, and suffering, which can fuel feelings of anger and resentment that can be exploited by extremist groups.

Furthermore, the internet and social media have played a significant role in the radicalization of individuals. Extremist groups have been able to use these platforms to spread their propaganda, recruit new members, and inspire lone-wolf attacks. The ease of access to extremist content online has made it easier for individuals to become radicalized and carry out acts of violence in the name of their cause.

The motives behind modern radical Islamist violence are complex and multifaceted. Some individuals may be driven by a sense of religious duty, believing that they are fighting for the defense of Islam against perceived threats. Others may be motivated by a desire for revenge against perceived injustices or grievances, such as the actions of Western countries in the Middle East. Additionally, some individuals may be drawn to radical Islamist groups due to a sense of belonging and purpose, especially if they feel marginalized or disenfranchised in their own societies.

In conclusion, the rise of radical Islamist terrorism in the modern era can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the spread of extremist ideologies, geopolitical conflicts, and the influence of the internet and social media. The motives behind modern radical Islamist violence are varied and complex, but it is clear that addressing the root causes of extremism and promoting tolerance and understanding are crucial in combating this threat.

Question 2

In what ways have India and Pakistan justified their proxy wars against each other? How has religion been used as a central motive behind their conflict? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

India and Pakistan have justified their proxy wars against each other in various ways. One of the main justifications is the historical and territorial disputes between the two countries, particularly over the region of Kashmir. Both countries claim Kashmir as their own and have engaged in proxy wars to gain control over the region.

Religion has also been used as a central motive behind the conflict between India and Pakistan. The two countries were partitioned in 1947 along religious lines, with India being predominantly Hindu and Pakistan being predominantly Muslim. This religious divide has fueled tensions and conflicts between the two countries, with each side using religion to rally support for their cause.

In addition, both India and Pakistan have used the threat of terrorism and extremism as a justification for their proxy wars. They have accused each other of supporting and harboring terrorist groups that carry out attacks on their respective territories, further escalating the conflict.

Overall, the justifications for the proxy wars between India and Pakistan are deeply rooted in historical, territorial, and religious disputes, as well as the ongoing threat of terrorism. These justifications have perpetuated the cycle of conflict and violence between the two countries.

Question 3

Christian and Muslim extremists are typically exclusivist in the sense that they believe that their faith is an exclusive "true faith" for salvation. Compare and contrast the agendas of Christian and Muslim extremists. In what ways are their agendas similar? How do they differ?

Accepted Answer

Christian and Muslim extremists both share the belief that their faith is the only true path to salvation, and they are exclusivist in their approach to religion. However, their agendas and methods differ in several key ways.

Similarities:
- Both Christian and Muslim extremists seek to promote and enforce their religious beliefs and practices on others.
- They both use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals, often targeting those who do not adhere to their beliefs.
- Both groups often seek to establish a theocratic state based on their interpretation of religious laws.

Differences:
- Christian extremists often focus on promoting their beliefs through political and social means, such as lobbying for laws that align with their religious values. Muslim extremists, on the other hand, often use terrorist tactics and violence to achieve their goals.
- Christian extremists may target individuals or groups that they perceive as a threat to their religious values, such as the LGBTQ+ community or women's reproductive rights. Muslim extremists often target those who do not adhere to their specific interpretation of Islam, including other Muslims who they view as apostates.
- The specific religious doctrines and beliefs that drive their agendas differ, with Christian extremists often focusing on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, while Muslim extremists may focus on establishing a caliphate or enforcing Sharia law.

In conclusion, while Christian and Muslim extremists share the exclusivist belief that their faith is the only true path to salvation, their agendas and methods differ in significant ways. Both groups use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals, but their specific targets and the means by which they seek to enforce their beliefs vary.

Question 4

Why has the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion continued to be disseminated?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why has the Protocols of the Learned...

Question 5

What will be the long-term effect of the Arab Spring on al-Qaeda?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What will be the long-term effect of...

Question 6

Explain the nature of state-sponsored religious terrorism. Discuss why it arises and whether it is likely to continue in the near future.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the nature of state-sponsored religious terrorism....

Question 7

Discuss why religious terrorism and extremism are so difficult to defeat or otherwise counteract.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss why religious terrorism and extremism are...

Question 8

Why were the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion written? Who wrote it? Who believes in it in the modern era?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why were the Protocols of the Learned...

Question 9

The invasions of the Islamic east in 1095 were referred to as the ______.

Accepted Answer

A)   holocaust
B)   crusades
C)   cadres
D)   phansi

Question 10

Radical Christian extremists are "exclusivist" in their beliefs. Which of the following best summarizes this tendency?

Accepted Answer

A)   They believe that their faith tradition is the "true faith."
B)   They believe that their faith tradition is compatible with other faith traditions.
C)   They believe that their faith tradition may have flaws, but it is basically a good tradition.
D)   None of these.

Question 11

Identify and discuss the trends and projects for the future of religious terrorism.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify and discuss the trends and projects...

Question 12

The jihadist movement has become a globalized phenomenon.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Briefly discuss the threat from apocalyptic cults such as Aum Shinrikyō.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly discuss the threat from apocalyptic cults...

Question 14

Violent anti-Jewish campaigns in eastern Europe are referred to as pogroms.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Christian extremists continue to promote a religious motivation for the war on terrorism.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Compare the differences between an Islamic jihad and a Christian Crusade. What is the modern perception of what a jihad is? How have groups like Al Qaeda used jihad to justify what they do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare the differences between an Islamic jihad...

Question 17

Briefly discuss the threat from the International Mujahideen and their fellow-believers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly discuss the threat from the International...

Question 18

______ is considered to be the central feature of New Terrorism.

Accepted Answer

A)   Economy
B)   Education
C)   Religion
D)   Gender

Question 19

Briefly discuss the threat from Iran's sponsorship of radical Islamist causes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly discuss the threat from Iran's sponsorship...

Question 20

Discuss the ways in which violence in the name of religion is justified by those who participate in such violence.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the ways in which violence in...

Exam 7: Religious Terrorism

In the modern era, radical Islamists have become the predominant perpetrators of religious terrorism. Why has this occurred? Explain the motives of modern radical Islamist violence.

In what ways have India and Pakistan justified their proxy wars against each other? How has religion been used as a central motive behind their conflict? Explain your answer.

Christian and Muslim extremists are typically exclusivist in the sense that they believe that their faith is an exclusive "true faith" for salvation. Compare and contrast the agendas of Christian and Muslim extremists. In what ways are their agendas similar? How do they differ?

Why has the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion continued to be disseminated?

What will be the long-term effect of the Arab Spring on al-Qaeda?

Explain the nature of state-sponsored religious terrorism. Discuss why it arises and whether it is likely to continue in the near future.

Discuss why religious terrorism and extremism are so difficult to defeat or otherwise counteract.

Why were the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion written? Who wrote it? Who believes in it in the modern era?

The invasions of the Islamic east in 1095 were referred to as the ______.

Radical Christian extremists are "exclusivist" in their beliefs. Which of the following best summarizes this tendency?

Identify and discuss the trends and projects for the future of religious terrorism.

The jihadist movement has become a globalized phenomenon.

Briefly discuss the threat from apocalyptic cults such as Aum Shinrikyō.

Violent anti-Jewish campaigns in eastern Europe are referred to as pogroms.

Christian extremists continue to promote a religious motivation for the war on terrorism.

Compare the differences between an Islamic jihad and a Christian Crusade. What is the modern perception of what a jihad is? How have groups like Al Qaeda used jihad to justify what they do?

Briefly discuss the threat from the International Mujahideen and their fellow-believers.

______ is considered to be the central feature of New Terrorism.

Briefly discuss the threat from Iran's sponsorship of radical Islamist causes.

Discuss the ways in which violence in the name of religion is justified by those who participate in such violence.