Thinking Past Terror - Islamism and Critical Theory on the Left' by Susan Buck-Morss - Book Report/Review Example

Book Review The book ‘Thinking past terror: Islamism and critical theory on the left’ by Susan Buck-Morss investigates the possibility of Left wing internationalism which hinder the growth of Islamic Fundamentalism and American Imperialism. The work is in the form of a collection of essays which include a wide range of subjects like Islamic thought, Islamic fundamentalism, Global spread of Terrorism, Western thought, American Imperialism, War on Terror, discussion on the subject matter of Visual Culture, present-day Art critique, and the possibility of Left wing internationalism. Morss argues that it is possible to form a global union of Left wing internationalism, which accepts Islamic thought and Western thought. Morss is of the opinion that one must not misunderstand Islamic thought or Islamism as Islamic fundamentalism/global sponsorship of terrorism and terrorist plots. Thesis statement: An investigation to unearth the scope of Critical theory and Left wing internationalism envisioned by Susan Buck-Morss in the work ‘Thinking past terror: Islamism and critical theory on the left’. Summary The core element of Morss’s work is the search for the possibility of a new world order based on humanity and international co-operation. The topics under discussion in Morss’ collection of essays are different but interconnected in the context of globalisation. Morss makes clear that Islam is against racism and it spreads the message of international brotherhood. So, one can see that the real world analysis leads the author to search for the scope of Islamic thought in modern world. Besides, Morss opines that evaluation of Islamism on the grounds of Islamic fundamentalism is false because this false mode of evaluation hinder the scope of Islam as a religion and its relation with modernity. In addition, Morss is of the opinion that there exists a wide gap between one’s self as an intellectual and as an academic. For instance, being an intellectual helps one to be the part of the multitude/ public and can partake in discussions and debates without any hesitation. Morss points out the ‘War on Terror’ as an example for American Imperialism and the attack of World Trade Centre by terrorists as an example for global spread of Islamic fundamentalism. Susan Buck- Morss (2003, P.23) opines that ‘The staging of violence as a global spectacle separates September 11 from previous acts of terror.’ Morss argues that Islamic fundamentalism does not represent Islam and Islamic thought. For instance, the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin (Stalinism) does not represent European Socialism. Besides, Islamic thought and Western thought share some unique characteristics like views on possessive individualism and social consciousness. So, one can easily trace a unique connection between Islamic thought and European Marxism. Critique- strengths and weaknesses Strengths: The strength of the work is that it put forth a new world order between religious fundamentalism and imperialistic views. The work searches for the scope of evaluating Islamic thought beyond fundamentalist views /terrorism. Author (2003, P.43) states that ‘Islamism is not a religious discourse, but a political one.’ The author opines that Islamic fundamentalism must not be judged under the norm of terrorism but it is to be considered as politicisation of Islam in post colonial context. All the topics under discussion in the collection of essays are different but interconnected. Morss asks questions and have answers to those questions. The language and usages used by Morss is not so difficult for an average reader to comprehend. The topic selected by Morss itself is capable to communicate with the reader. The argument put forth by Morss is significant in the context of globalisation. Besides, the evaluation of Islam through Critical Theory is helpful to understand the religion without any bias. The interview conducted by Marq Smith and Laura Mulvey with the author helps one to have a deeper understanding on the mindset of the author towards the modern society. The criticism on Islam based on Critical Theory sheds light on the pathetic condition of women. Morss does not force the individual reader to follow her ideology but helps the reader to question inequalities in the society. The scope of the work is beyond a specific society because it enquires the possibility of a global union of philanthropists. Weaknesses: The main weakness is that the global union envisioned by Morss is based on socialism is utopian idea and impractical in modern world. The author considers Islamic fundamentalism as the symbol of protest against globalisation and imperialism. When one considers Islamic fundamentalism as an effective tool to protest, its evil side is neglected and the readers may misunderstand terrorism. The global spread of terrorism is the most important threat to humanity. Author (2003, P.43) opines on Islamism that ‘It is also a powerful source of critical debate in the struggle against the undemocratic imposition of a new world order by the United States’. But when one consider terrorism as a tool to protest, the brutality of religious fundamentalism is neglected. Morss opines that Western thought based on socialism must not be misunderstood as despotic socialism and anti-terrorism as War on Terror/ American Imperialism. This argument will mislead an average reader. Morss does not put forth any theory to limit the spread of terrorism. The idea to form an international community beyond national boundaries is impractical because the modern world gives much importance to militant nationalism. So, the idea of Left wing internationalism is impractical in modern world because globalisation rules the world. But Bhagwati (2004, p. 10) opines that ‘Good times dampen anti-globalization attitudes, while bad times deepen them.’ Besides, utter neglect of the influence of globalisation and importance given to socialism is impractical in the modern world. Besides, the threat of religious fundamentalism on world peace is not properly addressed by Morss. But the strengths of the work overshadow its weaknesses. So the work is important because it is capable to put forth an innovative world order based on critical theory. Discussion Susan Buck-Morss, the critical theorist makes use of innumerable number of subjects as the theme of her essays. For instance, one can trace the influence of politics, religion, Marxist Ideology, sovereignty, faith, contemporary Art etc, in Morss’s essays. Besides, she is deeply influenced by Frankfurt School of Thought and Critical theory. The discussion on the work Thinking past terror: Islamism and critical theory on the left’ by Morss aims to explore the relation of same with social theories like Critical Theory, Social Theory, Actor- Network Theory (ANT), and Late Modernity and Post Modernity or Post modern condition. Critical Theory is the criticism of any society and its cultural aspects. This theory is closely related to other branches of studies and ideologies like social science, sociology, Marxism etc. This theory is deeply associated with ‘Frankfurt School of thought’ (Frankfurt Institute of Social Research. But Held (1980, p.25) states that ‘Critics on the left have charged critical theory with a failure to come to terms with practical political questions.’ As Morss is an exponent of Critical Theory, one can easily identify the influence of the same in her collection of essays. As Morss is a strong supporter of Frankfurt School of Thought, her work explores the possibility of cosmopolitan global Left. Besides, Morss is in search of the possibility of global Left, which will be a new way between American imperialistic views and Islamic fundamentalism. Another important theory is Social Theory, which originated in ancient Greece and it draws ideas from a number of fields like media studies and anthropology. Besides, Social Theory is the study and analysis of social facts. Scott (2005, p.24) states that ‘The globalisation of Social Theory is no recent phenomenon.’ Social Theory is broadly used by social scientists who study social facts. When one compares Morss’s work with Social Theory, one can see that she is deeply influenced by Social Theory, especially the analysis of social facts. For instance, Morss opines that the attack on World Trade Center (WTC) is misused by the United States to attack weak nations. Besides, Morss consider that there is no difference between the destruction of WTC by Al Qaeda and demolition of Murrah Federal Building planned by Timothy James Mc Veigh, an American. Instead, Morss consider both incidents as the struggle and reaction against globalisation. Author (2003, P.63) opines that ‘It can be argued that the global violence initiated by September 11 has had an impact generally on perception and expression’. In addition, the after effects of the attack on WTC totally destroyed Afghanistan, an underdeveloped nation in Asia. Morss opines that this attack on international community is not democratic. Besides, it ignited anti-Muslim bias and repression of democracy. Another important Theory is Actor Network Theory or ANT, which is closely related to Social Theory originated from Social Studies. Besides, it aims to explain the amalgamation of material semiotic networks to a single unit. It functions by repeatedly making and remaking of relations. ANT states that co-operation and co-ordination of different elements form a network and this combination constitutes the smooth functioning of the whole network. This theory was formulated by Michael Callon and other scholars. Similar thought can be seen in Morss’s collection of essays. From another angle of view, Morss thinks about the usage of public sphere to protest against human right violation through discussions, usage of mass media and representative groups. Morss is fully aware of the fact that the multitude is not conscious of its existence but its existence is a fact. So, the collection of essays by Morss is a message to the global community to protest against social, political, economic and religious evils. The work provides voice to different forms of struggles undertaken by international community of philanthropists. In addition, Morss makes clear that it is important to make use of all possible ways to protest against imperialism, globalisation and neoliberal ideas. Another important theory come under comparison is Late Modernity, which is helpful to describe highly developed societies. Late Modernity considers this development as a continuous process, continuation of cultural development. But Morss makes clear that highly developed societies may not show overall development. First of all, Morss makes clear that the attack on WTC plotted by Islamic fundamentalists gain unwanted importance because it is dated as the beginning of new era in anti-terrorism. It helped the United States to restructure its international relations and the spread of neoliberal ideas. Morss further adds that the ‘War on Terror’ initiated by the United States put the world community, especially Islam, under mistrust. But Morss consider the attack on WTC as a critical break point in international politics. Another important theory come under comparison is Post modernity or postmodern condition aims to describe economic and cultural condition of a society which survives modernity. Besides, the state of being postmodern is the progress towards economic or cultural development. Post modernity is considered as a positive development and end of modernity. In this context, Morss explores the possibility of a global critique beyond boundaries based on nationalism. Suri (2005, p.122) makes clear that Herbert Marcuse, who formed critical theory of power exploits the practical side of his theory by using it as a tool to build up global resistance against so called political institutions. Morss opines that the global community has less number of options to hinder the spread of American Imperialism. The best possible choice is to form a union (say, Left wing Internationalism) of Western and Islamic thought. Morss envisions that this may lead to the refusal of threats from neoliberals. Besides, the work envisions an alternative way of political life and the possibility of global Left wing originated from European socialism. The discussion on the work based on its relation with other social theories makes clear that almost all theories deeply influenced Morss and the most important influence is from Critical Theory and Actor Network Theory. Personal understanding The personal understanding of the work leads the reader to ponder upon the possibility of an international union, a platform to force the international community to listen to the voices of Left wing internationalists and philanthropists. But less importance is given to the threat of terrorism and terrorist plots sponsored by Islamic fundamentalists. When one considers Islamic fundamentalism beyond Islam, the fundamentalists acquire an unwanted but important position in the so called fight against Imperialism and dictatorship. In addition, vague reading of the work may mislead the reader to consider 9/11 attack as the victory of good over evil. On the other side, the possibility/scope of Left wing internationalism is limited because it is a utopian idea. When one considers the fact that Globalization, privatization, modernization etc is capable to change the whole world, to keep oneself aloof from this real world is suicidal. The Islamic fundamentalists force the global community to believe in a single ideology and it totally neglects the scope of multiple beliefs. This attitude is against democracy which provides room for individual freedom, liberal thought and expression. When one considers an ideology as the most important, it neglects the voice of multitude. So relaxed reading of the work may mislead the reader to misunderstand that terrorist plots like 9/11 is symbolic of the victory of terrorism over democracy. Instead, terrorism and religious fundamentalism must be evaluated/ judged under the strict norms put forth by democracy. The work forces the reader to understand the same in a positive but different way. So, the personal understanding of the work forces one to realise that global union envisioned by Susan Buck-Morss must not be based on Leftist socialism but on democracy and international brotherhood. Summing, the core of Morss’s idea revolves around the possibility of Left wing internationalism in modern world. The strength of the work is that it put forth the possibility of a new world order between religious fundamentalism and imperialistic views. The main weakness of the work is that it gives unwanted importance to socialism/ Leftist ideology and neglects the threat of terrorism on world peace. But the wide range of topics comes under discussion in the work and the judgement of Islam on Critical Theory forces the individual reader to reconsider his/her way of thinking. So, the scope of Morss’s work is beyond political ideologies and religious studies but extends to the possibility of a new world order. References Bhagwati, Jagdish N., 2004. In defense of globalization. New York: Oxford University Press. Held, D., 1980. Introduction to critical theory: Horkheimer to Habermas. USA: University of California Press. Morss, Susan B., 2003. Thinking past terror: Islamism and critical theory on the left. New York: Verso. Suri, J., 2005. Power and Protest: Global Revolution and the Rise of Detente. USA: Harvard University Press. Scott, J., 2005. Social theory: central issues in sociology. London: SAGE. Read More