Discussion Prompt
For this discussion, we will bring the issues of uneven development and ethnic/religious identity explored in the readings and videos for this module and relate these to the current crisis in Ukraine. For each response, use the course materials to provide support for your response.
Outline the core messages of the case study about Narva (Bob Kaiser’s video and the required readings of Rubin and Balmforth), and compare that with the role of Russian speakers in Ukraine (Young) and the difficulties of building unity in an independent Ukraine.
Describe the key dimensions of religious diversity in the region using multiple course materials including Kramer Gillin’s Q&A (making sure to include a discussion of Islamic religious diversity).* Relate this overview to how religion and ethnicity is being used in arguments for Russian interests in Ukraine (and possible invasion). The last required reading by Lassin, and Channell-Justice will be useful for this (as well as Putin’s essay in recommended readings).
* Be attentive to how you use terminology such as Muslim, Islamic, and Islam. For instance, when you refer to specific states remember that there is no such thing as a “Muslim state” or “Islamic country.” Instead, there are countries with Muslim-majority populations or states that consider Islam to be the state religion. Additionally, there are states, such as Saudi Arabia, that have incorporated Islamic law into institutions and social life. You will want to keep this in mind for future modules, as well.
Muslim Can be noun or adjective. Refers specifically to faith and should be the term used when talking about people and their religious beliefs.
Islam This is a noun that refers to the religion, not a person.
Islamic This is not used to talk about people. It is most commonly used to talk about aspects of societies that are mostly Muslim. So people might talk bout Islamic architecture, Islamic art, Islamic law, Islamic values, Islamic history, etc. The difference between “Islamic” and “Muslim” can be confusing for people who are accustomed to talking about Christianity or Judaism, for example, because in those cases there is just one adjective used. You would not call a person “Islamic.”
Islamist An adjective that can describe people, groups of people, or ideas. While definitely related to religion, it is really explaining a political orientation and belief that Islam should be thoroughly integrated into government. On page 160, the textbook adds that it is anti-Western, but not everyone would not include that as part of the definition. As the book notes: most Muslims DEFINITELY would not call themselves Islamists! You will likely not have any reason to use this term for your Module #6 Discussion post.
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For this discussion, we will bring the issues of uneven develo appeared first on Skilled Papers.