Discussion: Many scholars think the process of globalization has seemed like cultural imperialism in the Middle East and led to the poor there to become susceptible to radicalization by terrorist organizations. It is no accident that Al Qaeda chose the World Trade Center as a target.

Here is an article about the relationship between terrorism and globalization: A Real War on Terrorism: Does Globalization Cause it or Cure it?

It is kind of an old article (written after 9/11), but other than this week's required reading "Strengthening Local Economies: The Path to Peace?" by Helena Norberg-Hodge (available in the Ashford Library) this is the easiest article to read that I found.

There are tons of more recent articles on the same topic if you want to look for them. I also posted lots of great information on Week 3 Guidance.

Another perspective to consider is that globalization might have a similar effect in America in that it can lead to poverty among certain Americans who also feel alienated from the US government. This can lead to domestic terrorism like the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the Unabomber. Maybe the 2012 Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting and the 2015 Charleston church shooting might fit into this category, too, since they are motivated by increased cultural diversity and white people feeling like their country is being "taken over" by non-whites.

How (if at all) has the role of globalization contributed to the rise of terrorism during the last 20 years? (Cite specific evidence to support your claims.) it just a coincidence that globalization and terrorism have arisen during the same time period? And what (if anything) can the U.S. do economically to prevent terrorism before it starts? Is it possible that, as Thomas Friedman argues, the solution is more globalization? Or, as Helena Norberg-Hodge argues, do we need less globalization?