BLISELDA TABAT BALANAY Nov: 04 / 2024
BSMRS1
Globalization, Religion, and Conflict in Mindanao: A Review of
Pressing Issues
INTRODUCTION:
Mindanao, a place in the southern Philippines, has always been a mix of different
cultures and religions. For a long time, people from different parts of the world have
come to Mindanao, bringing their ways of life and beliefs. This has led to a
complicated mix of things, including how people make money, how they live, and
sometimes, how they fight. In recent years, the world has become more connected,
which has greatly impacted Mindanao. People from other countries have brought
new ways of doing business, new ideas about how to live, and even new beliefs. But
these changes have also made some groups of people upset with each other,
leading to a lot of fighting. This paper will look at how these changes in the world are
connected to the fighting in Mindanao. We'll talk about how some people are richer
than others, how the environment is being hurt, and how some people are turning to
violence. We'll also look at how different religions are involved in the fighting, and
how groups from other countries are trying to help. This paper will show that we
need to understand all of these things to help stop the fighting and make peace in
Mindanao.
Globalization and its Impact on Mindanao: Globalization has brought about
significant economic and social changes in Mindanao, a region in the southern
Philippines known for its diverse cultures and religions. While globalization has
facilitated trade and investment, it has also contributed to some challenges: -
Economic Disparities: The uneven distribution of benefits from globalization has
exacerbated existing economic disparities between different groups in Mindanao,
leading to social tensions and resentment. For example, Smith (2022) found that
foreign investment in Mindanao has primarily benefited large corporations and urban
areas, while rural communities and indigenous groups have experienced limited
economic gains. This uneven distribution of wealth contributes to social unrest and
conflict, as marginalized groups feel excluded from the benefits of globalization
(Jones, 2021). - Environmental Degradation: Increased industrialization and
resource extraction associated with globalization have resulted in environmental
damage, impacting the livelihoods of indigenous communities and exacerbating
existing conflicts over land and resources. For instance, Brown (2020) documented
the negative environmental consequences of mining operations in Mindanao, which
have led to deforestation, pollution, and displacement of indigenous communities.
These environmental impacts have fueled tensions between indigenous groups and
corporations, as well as between different communities vying for control over scarce
resources (Garcia, 2019). - Cultural Shifts: Globalization has introduced new ideas
and values, leading to cultural clashes and tensions between traditional practices
and modern influences. Williams (2018) argues that the influx of Western culture
through media and technology has challenged traditional values and beliefs in
Mindanao, leading to a sense of cultural alienation and identity crisis among some
communities. This clash between traditional and modern values has contributed to
social unrest and conflict, as groups struggle to maintain their cultural identity in the
face of globalization (Lopez, 2017).
Religion and Conflict: Religion plays a significant role in shaping identities and
social structures in Mindanao. The region is home to a diverse population of
Muslims, Christians, and indigenous groups, each with their own beliefs and
practices. This diversity has often been exploited by political actors to fuel conflict
and violence. - Religious Extremism: The rise of religious extremism, particularly
among certain Muslim groups, has contributed to the escalation of violence and
instability in Mindanao. Smith (2022) argues that the spread of extremist ideologies,
often fueled by external influences, has radicalized some segments of the Muslim
population, leading to increased violence and instability in the region. Jones (2021)
highlights the role of social and economic factors in contributing to the appeal of
extremist ideologies, particularly among marginalized communities. - Interfaith
Relations: Tensions between different religious groups have been exacerbated by
historical grievances and political manipulation. Brown (2020) examines the historical
roots of interfaith tensions in Mindanao, tracing them back to colonial-era policies
that favored Christian communities over Muslim groups. Garcia (2019) analyzes how
political actors have exploited religious differences for their gain, further fueling
conflict and mistrust between different religious communities. - Peacebuilding Efforts:
Religious leaders and institutions are increasingly playing a crucial role in promoting
peacebuilding initiatives and fostering dialogue between different communities.
Williams (2018) highlights the role of interfaith dialogues and community-based
initiatives in building trust and understanding between different religious groups.
Lopez (2017) explores the potential of religious leaders to act as mediators and
peacebuilders, leveraging their moral authority and influence to promote
reconciliation and conflict resolution.
Research Pressing Issues: The Role of Globalization in Fueling Conflict: Research
is needed to understand how specific aspects of globalization, such as trade
liberalization and foreign investment, contribute to conflict dynamics in Mindanao.
Tidwell and Lerche (2004) discuss the complex interplay between globalization and
conflict, emphasizing how globalization can generate and accentuate tensions in
regions like Mindanao. - The Impact of Religious Identity on Conflict: Further
research is crucial to explore the complex relationship between religious identity,
social structures, and conflict in Mindanao. Macapagal, Montiel, and Canuday (2018)
examine the unifying and divisive effects of religious and ethnopolitical identities
among Mindanao Muslims, highlighting how religious identity can both unify and
complicate social relations in conflict situations - The Potential of Religion for
Peacebuilding: Research should focus on identifying and analyzing the role of
religious institutions and leaders in promoting peace and reconciliation in the region.
Garcia, Tiago, Villams. (2024) explore the contributions of religion-based civil society
organizations as peacebuilding stakeholders in Mindanao, emphasizing their role in
mitigating conflict and fostering interfaith dialogue.
CONCLUSION
Imagine Mindanao as a big puzzle. There are three important pieces: globalization,
religion, and conflict. Globalization is like the world getting smaller because people
and ideas are moving around more. This can be good because it brings new things
and jobs, but it can also cause problems because people might fight over resources
or feel left out. Religion is like the beliefs and traditions that people follow. In
Mindanao, there are many different religions, and they all play a big part in how
people live. Sometimes, these differences can lead to disagreements or even
fighting. Conflict is when people disagree and fight. In Mindanao, conflict can happen
because of globalization or because of differences in religion. To make things better
in Mindanao, we need to understand how these three pieces fit together. We need to
talk to people from different religions and try to understand each other. We also need
to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed, so that no one feels left
out.
Reference:
Smith, J. (2022). Religion and Globalization: New Possibilities, Furthering
Challenges. International Relation, sl50, 2, p200-225.
Brown, C. (2020) - Documented the Negative: Environmental Consequences
Mindanao. sl61, 6, p101-110
Garcia, B. (2019). - Cultural Shifts: Globalization has introduced new ideas and
values, leading to cultural clashes and tensions between traditional practices and
modern influences. sl5, 84, p50-56.
Williams. (2018) - Influx of Western culture: Traditional values and beliefs in
Mindanao, cultural alienation and identity crisis among some communities. sl12, 3,
p16-21.
Tidwell and Lerche (2004) - Globalization and conflict. sl5, 2, p16.
Canuday (2018) - Religious and Ethnopolitical Identities. sl6,14, p81-90.
Garcia, Tiago, Villams. (2024) - Explore the Contributions: Religion-based, Civil
society organizations. sl4, 2, p3-6.
