National identities, religious conflicts and global security

Specific Foundation

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to: - know the historical route and the most important milestones of the Aemos Peninsula from late antiquity to modern times along with the ethnological evolution of its populations. - form a view of the protagonists of the religious, political and historical conflicts connected with the genesis and development of the Yugoslav countries in modern and recent times - approaches contemporary ethnogenetic phenomena in the Balkans and explores issues of identity politics in South-Eastern Europe. - identifies important milestones in the history of ancient and modern Israel - raise awareness of the role and significance of sacred sites and religious monuments at the centre of religious conflicts - understands the hegemonic role of religion in shaping political culture - become aware of the relationship between religion, colonialism and the national phenomenon - understands the context in which Islamic radicalism is taking shape in Western societies - understands the basic social, economic and political parameters that contribute to the formation of extremist organisations - is aware of the role of international actors in the development or 'consolidation' of terrorist organisations in the various contexts.

The course aims to present the multifactorial determination of national identities and religious conflicts in Southeastern Europe and beyond. It presents the relationship of Islam to contemporary societies as a political and religious phenomenon. In addition, it also delves into the multi-ethnic and multi-religious symbiosis of the Slavic tribes in the Aegean Peninsula and their mutual religious and cultural relations. The acquaintance with the religious environment as a cultural horizon creates in some cases phenomena of peculiar ethnogenesis and ultimately ideal nations in the world community which are presented in the course. It examines the process of formation and development of contemporary political institutions in Palestine and the phenomenon of the Arab Spring. The aim of the course is to highlight the difference between Political Islam of the West and Political Islam of the East and how this affects International Diplomacy. At the same time, aspects of the Palestinian question are developed. In addition, the student approaches methodologically and has the opportunity through the lectures to study phenomena of action of extremist organizations in the Middle East and Central Asia alongside events of migration of populations to new ones with different religious and ethnic cultures that often lead to ethnic or religious conflicts. The Aemos Peninsula from late antiquity to the Middle Ages The Aemos Peninsula from the Middle Ages to modern times Religious communities in the Western Balkans. Authoritarian regimes and institutional Church. The case of the Ustaša. From synthesis to fragmentation. From the First Yugoslavia (1918) to the civil war of 1990. Contemporary issues of ethnogenesis. The case of the Bosniaks (Bosnia and Herzegovina) The Arab Spring. Politics and Religion in the Holy Land: the "Pilgrim Question". The Palestinian Question Exodus from Egypt and the national and religious identity of Ancient Israel. Jews under Christian and Islamic rule. The religious Zionism of the Synagogue. The Arab-Israeli wars. Islamic Radicalism and European (international) security. The role of Political Islam in the emerging geographical environments (Sahel, Central Asia) Overall consideration of the topic -Conclusion with the presence of all the lecturers.

Ρeligion, geopolitics, Baklanσ, national identities, religion, Islam, nationalism

21-10-2025