Why do secular states pursue different policies toward religion? This book provides a generalizable argument about the impact of ideological struggles on the public policy making process; as well as a state-religion regimes index of 197 countries. More specifically; it analyzes why American state policies are largely tolerant of religion; whereas French and Turkish policies generally prohibit its public visibility; as seen in their bans on Muslim headscarves. In the United States; the dominant ideology is "passive secularism;" which requires the state to play a passive role; by allowing public visibility of religion. Dominant ideology in France and Turkey is "assertive secularism;" which demands that the state play an assertive role in excluding religion from the public sphere. Passive and assertive secularism became dominant in these cases through certain historical processes; particularly the presence or absence of an ancien régime based on the marriage between monarchy and hegemonic religion during state-building periods.
#970875 in Books Cambridge University Press 2008-01-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x 1.10 x 5.43l; 1.60 #File Name: 0521676363540 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Leading History on Russia of the Middle AgesBy Brian Wayne WellsThis is a textbook on Russia during the Middle Ages written by Janet Martin and published by the Cambridge University Press. As a text meant for advanced studies; the text of the book does not often explain some concepts because it is assumed that readers will already have a wide understanding of Russia during the Middle Ages. Although in my undergraduate days; I compiled a "minor" in history which was based on an area of concentration on Russian and Soviet History; I found this book to be a much better read when I kept my reference books close at hand.As the title of this book indicates this is a survey history of "Medieval Russia" that begins with 980 C.E. (during the "Common Era")roughly the date that Christianity first came to the area of eastern Europe that embodies Russia; and continues through to the death of Tsar Ivan IV (nicknamed "The Terrible); who became the first "Tsar of All the Russias." At about the time of the rule of Alexander Nevsky over the city of Novgorod in northwest Russia and famous battle against the Swedes at Neva River in 1240 C.E. and his more famous battle against the Teutonic Knights on the frozen ice of Lake Pepius in 1242 C.E.; this book become increasingly interesting. At this point I found the book hard to put down. I kept wanting to read more.The major background event of the time of Alexander Nevsky was the invasion of "the Russias" by the Genghis Khan and the Mongols in 1225 C.E. and again in 1237-1242 C.E. For some time; historians have explained the seemingly "eastern" or "oriental" character of Russian society by saying this character trait was residuals of the period of occupation of Russia by the Mongols. However; more recent historians have tended to minimize the effect of the Mongol occupation on later Russian society. One of these revisionist historians was J.I.L. Fennel; who recognized that there was a "crisis" in the Russias during the period of the thirteenth century. However; Fennell minimalizes the effect (especially the negative effect) of Mongol invasion on Russian society. However; the author of this book--Janet Martin--disagrees with Fennell and points out direct evidence that the Mongol occupation actually retarded the cultural development of Russia for about two centuries. As a result; I found this book to be a very good read and I was able to enjoy the depth and detail of this textbook.11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A nice introduction to Medieval RussiaBy Spartak Ter-MartirosyanI actually have delayed writing a review for this book for about a year now. This book (2nd ed.; 2008) was assigned for a Russian history class I was taking and; as a political; social; and economic textbook; it provided a nice narrative of Russian history dating from the adoption of Christianity (988) until the reign of Ivan the Terrible.Martin's book; as one reviewer has correctly noted; does start off from an odd year: ca. 980 AD. This was around the time that a Russian prince named Vladimir had secured his position on the Russian throne following a succession crisis. To most readers who are unfamiliar with the topic; this event comes off rather abruptly; and considering that the first historical figures that we can identify in Russian history date to the early ninth century; it certainly would have been better for Martin to have started her narrative from there (or at least presented a prologue on what was taking place in Russia up until that time). Nevertheless; the book is highly informative and erudite from this point forward; as we learn about Vladimir's successors; the princely succession system; cultural and social life in Kievan Rus; the Mongol invasions and its collapse; and the consolidation of the Russian states and subsequent rise of Muscovy.Certain reviewers have complained that the book is not written well; although I would like to add some caveats of my own. While the book may not be a page-turner for everyone; Martin's writing style and prose is not as drab and bland as they make it out to be. The reader will indeed encounter many names and places and this may overwhelm one; however; there are some useful maps and several family-tree diagrams of the reigning princes and monarchs. The text is accompanied by numerous footnotes and the book includes an extensive bibliography. While it may not be perfect for some; readers who are interested in learning more about medieval Russian history will definitely profit from Martin's work.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Exactly What I Was Looking For.By MagnitogorskI have read numerous books on Russian history but have always been interested in the medieval era. However; most histories of Russia I have read would either gloss over the entire 500 years plus or begin with Ivan I and the Tatar Yoke. Martin; albeit starting at the odd year of 980 AD; dives right in and gives you exactly what you wanted! Family trees and beautiful maps and a precise timeline help you right along at a speedy pace as you gorge yourself on Medieval Russian history. If you are curious about the 500 years of Russian history prior to the "Time of Troubles" and have read a book or two of introductory Russian history; then you must read this book now!
