Fundamentalism is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion”. Anthony Giddens [singlepic id=402 w=320 h=240 float=right] elaborates that fundamentalist groups are typified by “a refusal of dialogue in a world where different traditions are brought into regular contact as never before.” Perceived encroachment by an out-group’s norms or culture on traditional values results in entrenchment and transformation of the traditionalist group into fundamentalists.

Fundamentalists are further categorized by their adherence to “but one true avenue for finding meaning,” whether religious or political. Religious fundamentalists seek to reawaken a sense of religious community and reincorporate into it traditional lifestyles and values. In adding a layer of nationalism