Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, religious and political fundamentalism has taken on many different shapes, frequently influencing important historical developments and cultural shifts. Here are a few noteworthy instances from each category:
Fundamentalism in Religion
Extremist Islam in the Middle East and Abroad: The growth of Islamic fundamentalism, characterized by a rigid commitment to a conservative interpretation of Islam, occurred in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The movement has been most noticeable in organizations like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which is notorious for its extreme violence and the construction of a self-declared caliphate, and the Taliban in Afghanistan, which during their control imposed harsh restrictions based on their interpretation of Sharia law.
Christian Fundamentalism in the United States: This radical ideology first appeared in the country in the early 1900s and was defined by a literal reading of the Bible. This movement, which promoted policies based on conservative Christian values, grew in political clout in the late 20th century and became a major force in American politics, especially within the Republican Party.
Hindu Fundamentalism in India: A rise in nationalism and the promotion of Hindu ideals as essential to Indian identity have been hallmarks of the movement’s growth, especially since the late 20th century. In this movement, organizations like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have had a significant impact on Indian politics and social standards.
Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel: Jewish fundamentalism has had an impact on Israeli politics and society, especially among some Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox factions. This movement influences Israeli policies and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by emphasizing historical and religious rights to territory.
Fundamentalism in Politics
Communist Fundamentalism in the Soviet Union and China: Under the leadership of Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin, respectively, communist fundamentalism was present in both countries during the 20th century. This featured a strict devotion to Marxist-Leninist ideas, which resulted in serious human rights violations and totalitarian rule.
Political Fundamentalism in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy: During the early to mid-20th century, fascism emerged in both Germany under Adolf Hitler and Italy under Benito Mussolini. Extreme nationalism, racial purity, and the repression of opposition were the defining characteristics of this philosophy.
Modern-Day Right-Wing Fundamentalism in America and Europe: In various regions of Europe and the US, right-wing fundamentalism has grown in the twenty-first century, characterized by strong anti-immigrant emotions, nationalism, and occasionally white supremacist ideas. This movement frequently supports isolationist and protectionist measures while opposing globalism.
North Korean Juche Ideology: The Kim dynasty’s extreme form of authoritarian rule and self-reliance is known as Juche, and the North Korean dictatorship upholds it. This is an example of political fundamentalism. It blends isolationist politics and a strong cult of personality with aspects of Marxism-Leninism.
These illustrations show how fundamentalism, both religious and political, has impacted and still influences international relations, societies, and politics around the world. They draw attention to the difficulties and repercussions of fervently upholding ideas, whether they are founded in political or religious teachings.