Author Archives: kodygustafson

By: Kody Gustafson To begin I will discuss how Zemni and Parker explain the “failure of integration” of Muslims in Europe. One reason Muslims have been unable to integrate within European society is because many Europeans have come to view Islam as being anti-Europe. Through processes such as orientalism people have unjustly painted Islam andContinue reading “Blog #10 From the journey to establishing a home in Europe, refugees face uncertainty the entire way”

The first reading from this week concerned myths about Muslims and in particular those living in Europe. Justin Vaisse lays out four myths in his article that must be addressed in order to deal with the real challenges currently facing Europe. The first myth he discusses is that being Muslim “constitutes a fixed identity” inContinue reading “Blog # 9”

By: Kody Gustafson In this week’s readings, Steven Kinzer discusses the 1953 coup in Iran and its numerous effects. The ramifications of the coup were immense both nationally and internationally. On the national level Iranians who had longed for democracy and had pushed for democracy to be strengthened were let down and felt betrayed byContinue reading “Blog Post #7 Polarizing perspectives on U.S intervention in the Middle East”

By: Kody Gustafson In our readings the main focus was set on establishing secular modernity in Turkey, and why Iran failed to do the same. Secular modernity in Turkey was brought forth by Mustafa Kemal who as president implemented a litany of policies which sought to incorporate western ideals into Turkish society and diminishing theContinue reading “Blog Post #6 Moving towards a modern political system in the face of overwhelming adversity”

By: Kody Gustafson In our readings the main focus was set on establishing secular modernity in Turkey, and why Iran failed to do the same. Secular modernity in Turkey was brought forth by Mustafa Kemal who as president implemented a litany of policies which sought to incorporate western ideals into Turkish society and diminishing theContinue reading “Blog Post #6 Moving towards a modern political system in the face of overwhelming adversity”

By: Kody Gustafson In our readings the main focus was set on establishing secular modernity in Turkey, and why Iran failed to do the same. Secular modernity in Turkey was brought forth by Mustafa Kemal who as president implemented a litany of policies which sought to incorporate western ideals into Turkish society and diminishing theContinue reading “Blog Post #6 Moving towards a modern political system in the face of overwhelming adversity”

By; Kody Gustafson This week’s readings challenged my understanding of geopolitics and left me wanting to research the topic further. I would define geopolitics as being a unique way of studying the relations and interactions between not just civilizations but the people that make them up as well as how residing in a different spaceContinue reading “Blog Post #5 Geopolitics and the tumultuous history of U.S Iran relations”

By: Kody Gustafson In Banerjee and Duflos Poor Economics they discuss Micro-credits and the effects they can have in poverty-stricken countries. Micro-credits are described as being an extension of small loans to poor borrowers who most likely lack collateral, steady employment, or credit history. One negative aspect of Micro credit institutions is that they oftenContinue reading “Post #4 Discord among scholars concerning how to approach ending poverty in the world.”

By: Kody Gustafson In Steven Radelets “Emerging Africa” he goes on to discuss a new and innovative group of people leading the fight to end poverty and change negative perceptions of African countries. Dubbed the “Cheetah generation” this new group of leaders are working to replace stagnant and outdated policies with new innovative ideas whichContinue reading “Blog post #3 Sustaining growth in Africa’s emerging countries.”

By: Kody Gustafson In his writings Steven Radelet identifies 5 factors that he classifies as being good news in Africa. The first factor is the rise of more democratic and accountable governments. This allows for citizens to become involved with the process and gives them an avenue for voicing their concerns in a meaningful way.Continue reading “Blog Post #2 Poverty’s effect in the developing world and sustainable remedies”