In continuation of the recently begun research work and study on Latin America, the Central Study Group (CSG) under the aegis of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind organised a presentation of preliminary findings and overview of the largely political and economic changes in the region ushered in under the much debated notion of ‘twenty-first century Socialism’ on 23 March. The first part of the study involves the definition of the concept, the theoretical ideas clubbed under this ‘loosely’ central theoretical frame, Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and the working model of his political ideal at a broader horizon as well as its impacts in the global perspective, et al.
A brief of the study on the subject was delivered by S Abdul Baseer, a researcher at the Centre for European and Latin American Studies (CELAS) in Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among the small audience invited were research-students and faculty members from Jamia Millia and Delhi University, the Director of Sahulat Microfinance Society Dr Arshad Ajmal and the Public Relations Secretary at the headquarters of Students Islamic Organisation of India.
Interaction initiating after the talk brought in interesting questions, deliberations and rebuttals from the keen participants. It was argued whether the reference to ‘21st century Socialism’ is actually a reference to Socialism of the past or the classical conception of Socialism, or whether it is Socialism at all? What are the major lines of distinction between Chinese state ideologies where the market dominates vis-a-vis the case of Venezuela? It was asked by a faculty member from the Political Science Department of Jamia Millia Islamia whether there were civilizational elements to be seen involved with ‘twenty-first Century Socialism’ as also an elucidation sought on the juxtaposition of Huntington’s “The Clash of Civilisations” with ‘twenty-first century Socialism’.
It is expected that by the month end a pre-draft of a research article on the issues raised would be available with the CSG. The fourth part of this same study “Lessons and Challenges before the Islamic Movements” would then be the next subject of the researcher’s arguments. Suggestions in this part include the explorations of ‘Unitarian progress between socialism and populist models versus the road ahead of Islamic Movements’.