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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”

Mustafa Kemal’s overarching goal was secular modernity. What is this and what is a modern political system? Was it achieved? How did Iran and Turkey differ in their approach to create democracies? What were threats in order to achieve unity? Mustafa Kemal was the leader Turkey working towards trying to create a society that wouldContinue reading “Post 6: Westernization of Turkey and Iran”

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”

1.     In your own words, how would you define geopolitics? What is it about Dugin’s understanding of geopolitics that strikes you as significant?  How does Dugin differ from what you originally thought geopolitics was? Search for additional information, a TED talk, for example, that covers geopolitics of the Middle East and then discussContinue reading “Post 5: Geopolitics and a Look Into the Past”

PART 1 1.     What is the basic argument for and against micro-credits that Banerjee and Duflo make? Do you agree with them? The basic idea of micro-credits are to provide small financial loans specifically to those suffering in poverty filled regions. The origin of this financial system began in Bangladesh and has remainedContinue reading “Post #4: Micro-Credits and the Pro’s and Cons of Development Aid”