The Middle East and Religious Fundamentalism as a Source of Identity-Based Conflicts

Abstract

An understanding of religious fundamentalism as a source of conflict in the Middle East can be furthered by examining "asymmetrical threats" in other areas. This article suggests that a specific type of asymmetrical conflict, "Marginal Violent Internal Conflict" (MVIC), was on the rise well before September 11, 2001, and examples of this can be seen in Mexico and Egypt, and possibly in Nigeria, Chile, and the Philippines. The author argues that the "War on Terror" has elevated MVIC to the level of Marginal Violent International Conflict, and examines the policy implications that arise with the goal of global security.

Keywords

Al-Qaeda, Arab World, Asymmetrical Conflict, Chiapas, Egypt

Citation

Tschirgi, Dan, “The Middle East and Religious Fundamentalism as a Source of Identity-Based Conflicts”, International Relations, Volume 2, Issue 8 (Winter 2005-2006), pp. 151-165.

Affiliations

• Dan Tschirgi, Prof. Dr., The American University in Cairo, Department of Political Science