Q1. To what extent was the development of religious fundamentalism the result of Western influence in the 3rd World?

Students Question Analysis

Focus:
Topic: Causes of religious fundamentalism Time-frame: 1965-2000 Type of Question: Factor-based

Assumption:

Criteria:

The development of religious fundamentalism was a result of Western influence in the Third World to some extent There are other factors which resulted to the development of religious fundamentalism.

1st level - Definition of key terms/concepts Western influence in the Third World = US support for oppressive, corrupt regimes in the Third World and Cold War politics 2nd level - Analytical Tools to be used Appearance vs Reality: Most important factor vs aggravating factors Consistency of contribution: Assess different types of religious fundamentalism

Evidence
Islamic fundamentalism: Iran, Afghanistan, Hamas, Saudi Arabia Hindu fundamentalism: BJP Jewish fundamentalism: Gush Emunim

Stand:
Western influence in the Third World, specifically American support for oppressive, corrupt regimes and its Cold War politics, indeed contributed partly to the development of Islamic fundamentalism, setting the context and acting as a trigger factor for the religious leaders to capitalize on aggravated domestic grievances for their fundamentalist advances. However, the more significant factor which was accountable to the development of religious fundamentalism was the nationalist agendas of those religious leaders against the evils of secularism, and that has been the case for Islamic, Jewish and Hindu fundamentalism.