Philip W. Sutton

Globalisation Theory and Islamic Praxis

This paper stems from dissatisfaction with the Eurocentric perspective of many globalisation theories, and in particular their treatment of `̀ fundamentalism’’ and Islamic `̀ fundamentalist’’ movements. We review current globalisation theories, most of which present Westernised forms of globalisation as inevitable and irreversible facts of life. Seen through this lens, Islamic fundamentalism is a reaction to the dislocations and uncertainties produced by globalisation, which generate fear and intensi® ed needs for belonging. Bringing an historical perspective to bear on this issue helps to point out the limitations of this `̀ reactionary’’ interpretation. Islamic `̀praxisitioners’’ in Turkey are not simply reacting to globalisation but show an awareness of Islamic history in the light of globalisation theories; in short, they exhibit `̀ re ̄ exivity’’ in their understanding of the nature of contemporary Islam. In contrast to many other examples of re ̄ exivity, which tend towards the production of anxieties and uncertainty, however, their religious commitment together with alternative interpretations of Islamic history produce an active desire to direct globalising tendencies by drawing on assured ways of achieving a theocratic society.

A Handbook of Globalisation and Environmental Policy: National Government Interventions in a Global Arena

war, and social stratification. He is currently conducting a study on ‘Relational Patterns among Venture Capital Funds in Israel: 1997–2004’. In addition, he is studying the Internet and social networks, and the impact of online and offline social networks on political involvement. Address: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Haifa, 31905, Israel. [email: talmud@soc.haifa.ac.il] International Sociology Review of Books Vol. 22 No. 2