Globalization and Terrorism: The Migration of Dreams and Nightmares

As a law student majoring in international politics and law, this was one of the most accessible and highly commendable books I found in my hours searching the libraries. Especially if you have slightly radical lecturers (and live in a democratic country where the media is sensationalised and politicized), it is a very balanced read, but above all, most illuminating. For all those interested in gaining a basic foundation and an innovative perspective on this global issue.

In late 2004, Jamal Nassar, Chairperson of the Dept. of Politics and Government and one of ISU's most respected professors, published his latest book, Globalization and Terrorism: The Migration of Dreams and Nightmares. Concisely linking two of the most significant concepts of our time, Dr. Nassar's book explains the often-overlooked link between the phenomena of globalization and terrorism - two misunderstood buzzwords with loaded meanings and inadequate definitions. Nassar attempts to confront the way that both of these issues are viewed by the West; he challenges the dominant Western discourse that links globalization with freedom, for example, while attempting to give legitimacy and credence to those who oppose the dominant and dominating trends of global capitalism. In this regard, Nassar's book takes on a tone similar to that of his classroom lectures; those looking for a market-centered, Western outlook on the process of globalization will be disappointed by the book's unapologetically human-centered and empathetic tone. Initially agreeing with the contemporary definition of globalization, Nassar describes this process as that of "the integration of markets, politics, values, and environmental concerns across the globe." Economic interdependence is often viewed as the core of globalization, with human participation in the global marketplace serving as the force that perpetuates this process. Thus, globalization has become synonymous with the worldwide expansion of modern corporate capitalism. Insofar as we all buy food and clothing from large retailers and superstores, we reaffirm the capitalist, economic aspect of globalization; in this regard, participation in capitalist globalization is currently almost inescapable within the given framework, and it leads to a disparity between the nations who make the rules (those in the developed nations) and those who are expected to follow suit (the developing nations). For this reason, Nassar calls upon the reader to question the given framework in order to create a more charitable and egalitarian world paradigm. Nassar describes globalization as a process that leads to a "migration of dreams" in which the world's poor are able to learn of the luxuries of the first world in hopes of one day acquiring these luxuries themselves. He uses the example of a town elder in a small African village bringing a battery-operated television set into town along with a satellite dish. The town's people watch in amazement at people with luxuries such as running water, electricity, indoor plumbing, cars, paved streets, etc. From that point forward, the town's people know what is possible for their own future. Often times, though, these expectations remain unfulfilled. Nassar describes this gap between expectations and achievements as the theory of relative deprivation. Relative deprivation, according to Nassar, is a major contributor to violence. Often times in the West, this violence comes to be known as terr

Jamal Nassar's book, "Globalization and Terrorism," brilliantly and insightfully illuminates the effects of globalization on the Middle East and other parts of the world. Furthermore, Nassar breaks down the causes and effects of terrorism in terms of the neverending cycle of violence between those with power and their victims. As techonology seeps its way into the Third World, Nassar explains, new "dreams" of better lifestyles and commodities are introduced to populations that cannot achieve this lifestyle due to economical impossibilities. This in turn brings about "nightmares" of the oppressed. Dr. Nassar brings in personal stories throughout the world that help convey the negative effects of globalization and terrorism giving the reader and more comprehensive, thorough, and compassionate understanding of oppressed people throughout the world. This is a definite read for those looking for a different perspective on globalization and terrorism and their effects.

Jamal Nassar's book, Globalization and Terrorism is an important academic work, and is refreshing in its moral engagement. It provides a valuable general background to the concepts of globalization and terrorism, situating them within the academic and popular debates of today. The book addresses many hot spots in world affairs today, including Russia/Chechnya, Israel/Palestine, the Congo, Iraq, and Colombia. The chapter on the Israel-Palestine conflict is a must read for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the underlying factors that have fueled terrorism on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides. The chapter that introduces Islamism/Islamic fundamentalism is welcome reading as well, as it provides an important background to such figues as Osama bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri. Many readers are afraid of books that provide a fair assesment of the terrorism of both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is one such book, which helps explain the numerous attacks from those who assume that Israel can do no wrong since its creation in 1948. For an encompassing review of the important concepts of globalization and terrorism, as well as relevant case studies that provide a rich understanding of global terrorist conflicts, pick up Jamal Nassar's book.

Intellectually Invigorating, Highly Readable This book forces us to reexamine the present modes of thinking on two of the most controversial, and often misunderstood, topics of our time. It is necessary to any study of terrorism during the era of "globalization." Professor Nassar's work creates a lively discussion in any setting. Every person concerned with contemporary politics ought to read it.