Suchergebnisse

Argues that Europe has always been a transnational & multicultural arena in which people moved freely over each other's lands, adding their uniqueness to the cultures of different countries. An exploration of the contributions of religious groups to the historical meaning of Europe looks beyond the Christian majority to consider the cultural input of Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, & Hindus. Special attention is given to the notion of a European identity & how the new wave of migrants will alter the shape of European culture. Although religion, primarily Christianity, is seen as both a unifying factor & the main basis of "European culture," there is considerable disagreement over the idea of a common European identity. It is contended that diversity does not inhibit the notion of a common European culture & individuals can claim to be European without giving up their specific subnational/transnational identities. The idea of a new Europe that as one of "ethnic heterogeneity inserted into a multicultural suprastate" is considered, along with obstacles standing in the way of such a formulation. J. Lindroth

Argues that Europe has always been a transnational & multicultural arena in which people moved freely over each other's lands, adding their uniqueness to the cultures of different countries. An exploration of the contributions of religious groups to the historical meaning of Europe looks beyond the Christian majority to consider the cultural input of Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, & Hindus. Special attention is given to the notion of a European identity & how the new wave of migrants will alter the shape of European culture. Although religion, primarily Christianity, is seen as both a unifying factor & the main basis of "European culture," there is considerable disagreement over the idea of a common European identity. It is contended that diversity does not inhibit the notion of a common European culture & individuals can claim to be European without giving up their specific subnational/transnational identities. The idea of a new Europe that as one of "ethnic heterogeneity inserted into a multicultural suprastate" is considered, along with obstacles standing in the way of such a formulation. J. Lindroth

The cultural, political, social, & ideological significance of the 1989 revolutions in East-Central Europe is discussed in reference to the French, English, & American revolutions, which signified the beginning of modernity. Although the applicability of the term revolution to the events of 1989 has been questioned, it is argued that the speed of political, economic, & social change experienced in East-Central Europe during this time was revolutionary. Perhaps even more than previous revolutions, the events of 1989 were understood as part of & related to the international context. While some depicted these revolutions as the erosion of the final alternative to liberal capitalism, others have claimed that 1989 revitalized the concept & viability of political & social revolution. Although these revolutions can be seen as a product of the modern drive toward global capital & democracy, it is suggested that the rationality & technocracy of Soviet-type societies were highly representative of the modernist project. Therefore, these revolutions may signify a revolt against the reason & objectivity of modernity in favor of the subjective empowerment of the postmodern era. It is concluded that the long-term implications & significance of these revolutions are as yet unknown. T. Sevier