http://www.economist.com/news/international/21570677-after-centuries-stagnation-science-making-comeback-islamic-world-road
This Economist article highlights much of the recent scientific, technological, and business progress within Islamic nations. Although the article uses religion as the main form of comparison between nations, it is clear that most Islamic societies tend to operate under different economic systems from Western societies. There exists a clear disparity between the level of scientific achievement between the two geopolitical systems, much of which has been previously described as cultural or societal. Many of the 'Islamic countries' mentioned in the article were affected directly or indirectly by the political protests of the Arab Spring. In this greater movement towards more democratic, free-market economic systems compatible with Islam, we begin to see this slow change manifesting in other parts of society. As discussed in class, population growth and technological development are the two driving factors behind change within an economic system. Perhaps these factors may be signaling broad economic advancement spreading throughout the Muslim world.
This Economist article highlights much of the recent scientific, technological, and business progress within Islamic nations. Although the article uses religion as the main form of comparison between nations, it is clear that most Islamic societies tend to operate under different economic systems from Western societies. There exists a clear disparity between the level of scientific achievement between the two geopolitical systems, much of which has been previously described as cultural or societal. Many of the 'Islamic countries' mentioned in the article were affected directly or indirectly by the political protests of the Arab Spring. In this greater movement towards more democratic, free-market economic systems compatible with Islam, we begin to see this slow change manifesting in other parts of society. As discussed in class, population growth and technological development are the two driving factors behind change within an economic system. Perhaps these factors may be signaling broad economic advancement spreading throughout the Muslim world.
1 comment:
I think it is interesting to note that the countries with the most stringent religious laws are also some of the wealthiest: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, (others on the Arabian peninsula). Clearly it is their ability to purchase new technology that is driving economic change in those countries, not population growth.
Can any relationship be drawn between Marx and the Arab spring protests/uprisings/revolutions? Marx insisted that change is cause by revolutions, not evolutions. For now it seems that those countries that are slowly evolving (the rich Arabian states) are succeeding more so than the ones experiencing revolt.
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