Globalisation can be defined as the increased interconnectedness of society and the people, cultures and identities within it. Around the world various cultural traditions, beliefs, food etc. can be seen as either already having a permanent place within other societies or as being slowly integrated. Simply, globalisation can be seen in the food we eat and the products we buy. The advancements of new technology, the ability to book a flight cheaply and the influence of international media corporations means that various parts of the world are becoming more westernised and increasingly multicultural – Like the UKs. While this may sound like a good thing in theory, it can be argued that globalisation can cause fundamentalism in response, meaning that some groups of people and individuals respond to globalisation in a hostile way as they see the introduction and integration of various other cultures as threat, to what they see as, their own dominant culture.

Steve Bruce identified one function of religion as creating cultural defence. When applied to a context of globalisation and fundamentalism it can be said that some communities feel that their culture and identity is threatened not by individuals but by alternative ideals and beliefs from other cultures. For example In the 50s Western capitalist powers had significant influence in Iran, which in turn resulted in the implementation of pro-Western regime. In 1979 there was a revolution in protest to the regime and an Islamic Republic was created. Though this is an extreme example, on a smaller scale similar can be seen within countries like the UK – such as the rise in support of far right political protest parties like the BNP and Britain First who strongly advocate that multiculturalism cannot work and though they use Christianity as a forefront for a lot of their arguments, many of their members are not necessarily religious at all. Therefore, globalisation can create religious fundamentalism because some feel that other cultures threaten the prominence of what they see as, their own dominant culture. However, it could be argued that cultural defence in the UK and Iran are incomparable as much of what occurred to create a pro-Western regime in Iran was illegal and very unpopular, whereas the UK is a pluralistic society that prides itself on being multicultural by a majority of the population. Additionally, Iran was and clearly is much more religious in terms of the number of people who identify with one faith, cultural defence in the UK seems to be less about protecting Britain’s Christian identity.

Another sociologist Giddens argues that globalisation comes with what’s called cosmopolitanism which is a way of thinking that promotes and embraces an evolving modern world. cosmopolitan religion which provides choice in many different areas of life, such as diversity, sexuality, careers etc. and because of this choice there is an element of uncertainty. Globalisation provides the necessary components to adapt to a postmodern world, and the fundamentalism is to refuse the adaptation, and return to the roots of their faith, and their faith only. Fundamentalism provides certainty where there is none in a globalising world, by referring back to the scripture of their religion where there are strict doctrines interpreted by chosen ministers of that faith. Without globalisation, there wouldn’t be such an emphasis on fundamentalism as Giddens argues it is a relatively new term, indicating that it’s use is largely used to describe the many movements that are combating new age thinking. Bauman agrees with Giddens suggesting his own argument that postmodernity has increased the risk of making free choices, and some choose to adopt this new lifestyle whereas others associate themselves with movements of tradition and grounded truth. Examples of fundamentalist attacks on modern western society can be seen in the 9/11 attacks and various other vicious attacks between the east and west.

In conclusion, it can be seen through various examples within the modern world that religious fundamentalism could be a direct reaction of globalisation, in response communities and individuals feel the need to defend and protect their cultural identity, whether that’s through extreme means as seen in the 9/11 attacks or by simply protesting against multiculturalism. Though equally it could be argued in response that actually fundamentalist attacks like 9/11 may have less to do with religious extremism and rather political reasons and ideas, as the relationship between the West and Middle East has not been historically good and still isn’t in my parts.