MSc graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science, specialised in European affairs, Political Philosophy, Cultural Identity and European Religiosity. Currently working as a public affairs consultant. roxannaazimy.com
Liberalism is often deemed central to European modernity, with our detachment from dogma and cons... more Liberalism is often deemed central to European modernity, with our detachment from dogma and conservatism revered as a necessary step towards progress and social development. However, as Europe becomes increasingly secular and thus liberal, are we also witnessing negative repercussions? The individual freedoms and social mobility which have accompanied European liberalisation mean that citizens have more opportunities and liberty than ever before. This has undoubtedly transformed our quality of life for the better. However, if we are to be truly liberated as a society, then how can we justify and impose restraints? Can society really thrive or even survive without some form of limitation, deterring chaos and collapse? This will be a study of the very essence of European liberalism: its Greco-Christian history, its ethical implications, and its potential collapse in modern times.
The Sephardic Jews were exiled from Spain during the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. Now, scattere... more The Sephardic Jews were exiled from Spain during the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. Now, scattered across the globe, they often maintain links to their Iberian ancestry. On the 11th of June 2015, Spain passed the Spanish Nationality Law for the Sephardim with Origins in Spain. This law presents a dilemma: On the one hand, the ancestors of today's Sephardic Jews were forced, against their will, out of their own country, prompting the argument that their right to their ancestral homeland remains. However, this was so long ago, can they legitimately claim any official association to this country today? Furthermore, the Jews were not the only victims of exile in medieval Spain: the peninsula’s Muslims, known as the “Moors,” were also exiled around a century later, between 1609 and 1614. Naturally, many of their descendants, now residing principally in Morocco and Tunisia, want this new policy to be extended to them.
The ambiguity surrounding the UK's religiosity is causing many conflicts in terms of how religion... more The ambiguity surrounding the UK's religiosity is causing many conflicts in terms of how religion should be approached on a societal level. Officially, The United Kingdom is a Christian country, maintaining the Church of England and with unelected bishops in the House of Lords. Consequently, many discrepancies arise between the state's increasing secularity and its Christianity-steeped traditions and history. The problem of this contrast between the country's liberalism and the position of authority which the church maintains is only intensified by the country's increasing multiculturalism which naturally entails elevated religious diversity. This is a matter of establishing a balance between the country's official status as a Christian state and the upholding of its policies of multiculturalism and religious acceptance.
One of the most pertinent socio-political issues to face the Western World today is the ongoing c... more One of the most pertinent socio-political issues to face the Western World today is the ongoing clash between European and Islamic values. The long History of conflict between Islamic and Christian civilizations deepens the Islamo-European divide which remains today. This report uses both literature and a one-to-one interview to assess the many ways which we can observe these tensions within our modern and multicultural European society, how ideological conflict is often misinterpreted as a racial matter, and how both religious and cultural identities have evolved to be fluid and overlapping, provoking some to experience these Islamo-European tensions internally.
Nietzsche is one of several twentieth-century philosophers who picked holes in the modern values ... more Nietzsche is one of several twentieth-century philosophers who picked holes in the modern values of democracy and liberalism. Despite being those which society should supposedly strive for and the indicators of modernity, there are several arguments to suggest that these values have also bestowed negative consequences upon European society. Can it really be deemed a coincidence that the twentieth century brought democracy and liberalism whilst simultaneously birthing the concept of nihilism? The emergence of liberal and democratic ideologies in Europe may be a huge progressive step in terms of social freedoms, but it has nonetheless left Europe somewhat unchained from its sense of purpose and direction.
In today’s modern and supposedly rational society, mention of the biblical concept of the “Fall o... more In today’s modern and supposedly rational society, mention of the biblical concept of the “Fall of Man” could seem incongruous and even irrelevant. How can such an archaic concept, requiring complete denial of Darwin’s theory of evolution as the beginning of the human race, stand alongside modernity? Regardless of one's personal religious views, the story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace is loaded with symbolism and ideas regarding our humanity which cannot, and should not, be overlooked.
Through a sequence of irreversible blows, Judeo-Christian civilisation has evolved from self-iden... more Through a sequence of irreversible blows, Judeo-Christian civilisation has evolved from self-identifying as being made in God's image with a special task to fulfil in the world, this world which was believed to be the centre of the universe, to the modern scientific view that not-only is the Earth merely a planet among planets, but also that Mankind is merely an animal among animals. This meant a gradual movement away from the notion of a world designed with men in mind. This will be an analysis of the four proposed stages to this gradual decay of Anthropocentrism, referred to as the "blows to Man," assessing how they can be deemed as such and also ultimately determining whether each one was equally devastating or if some cut deeper than others.
Politics, Philosophy and Science: three separate fields of knowledge or overlapping in some way? ... more Politics, Philosophy and Science: three separate fields of knowledge or overlapping in some way? This study primarily explores Valery's perspective regarding between how these three areas interlink, drawing comparisons with various other philosophers' ideas upon the topic, such as Ancient Greek perspectives and Habernas' theories regarding technocracy, work and interaction.
Europe is often viewed as a solely Christian, or at best Judeo-Christian continent. But what of I... more Europe is often viewed as a solely Christian, or at best Judeo-Christian continent. But what of Islam? This essay explores the long-standing and complex relationship which Europe holds with Islamic culture and spirituality, from the birth of civilisation to present day and attempts to decipher why Islam is still regarded as somewhat "foreign" and separate to Europe whilst Christianity and Judaism, although also Middle Eastern imports, are considered "European."
Many would argue that Europe is steadily cutting ties with religion as an increasing number of st... more Many would argue that Europe is steadily cutting ties with religion as an increasing number of states are embracing secularism. However, considering European's History of Christianity and the long-term dominating force of Christianity, can European society ever truly break away? This is a study of the elements of Christianity which remain in modern European society and analyses why this is the case and what impact this may have had over the years.
Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Fa... more Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Failure to attach the coversheet as required may result in your work not being accepted for assessment. Word count, which should be calculated electronically, must be stated accurately below. For details of what is included in the word count, and penalties incurred by exceeding the word count limit, please consult the coursework submission policy in the Faculty handbook. DECLARATION BY STUDENT This assignment is entirely my own work. Quotations from secondary literature are indicated by the use of inverted commas around ALL such quotations AND by reference in the text or notes to the author concerned. ALL primary and secondary literature used in this piece of work is indicated in the bibliography placed at the end, and dependence upon ANY source used is indicated at the appropriate point in the text. I confirm that no sources have been used other than those stated. I understand what is meant by plagiarism and have signed at enrolment the declaration concerning the avoidance of plagiarism.
Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Fa... more Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Failure to attach the coversheet as required may result in your work not being accepted for assessment. Word count, which should be calculated electronically, must be stated accurately below. For details of what is included in the word count, and penalties incurred by exceeding the word count limit, please consult the coursework submission policy in the Faculty handbook. DECLARATION BY STUDENT This assignment is entirely my own work. Quotations from secondary literature are indicated by the use of inverted commas around ALL such quotations AND by reference in the text or notes to the author concerned. ALL primary and secondary literature used in this piece of work is indicated in the bibliography placed at the end, and dependence upon ANY source used is indicated at the appropriate point in the text. I confirm that no sources have been used other than those stated. I understand what is meant by plagiarism and have signed at enrolment the declaration concerning the avoidance of plagiarism.
In the current era of political distrust and ideological extremism, perhaps the only element of m... more In the current era of political distrust and ideological extremism, perhaps the only element of modern politics we can all agree upon is its democratic structure – or can we? While democracy is now revered as the only political system which gives value to the opinions and rights of all individuals, in a society plagued by misinformation and manipulation, we are forced to question whether it is really the most just and robust system to let everyone over a certain age to vote, no matter their level of knowledge or exposure to potentially misleading political campaigns. This will be a study of the very essence of democracy; its flaws, its promise, and whether there exists a viable alternative.
Here I explore how Art and Politics are communicated through the visual art of modern Latin Ameri... more Here I explore how Art and Politics are communicated through the visual art of modern Latin American female artists Ana Mendieta and Doris Salcedo, drawing comparisons between the two and examining various specific works of Art.
Liberalism is often deemed central to European modernity, with our detachment from dogma and cons... more Liberalism is often deemed central to European modernity, with our detachment from dogma and conservatism revered as a necessary step towards progress and social development. However, as Europe becomes increasingly secular and thus liberal, are we also witnessing negative repercussions? The individual freedoms and social mobility which have accompanied European liberalisation mean that citizens have more opportunities and liberty than ever before. This has undoubtedly transformed our quality of life for the better. However, if we are to be truly liberated as a society, then how can we justify and impose restraints? Can society really thrive or even survive without some form of limitation, deterring chaos and collapse? This will be a study of the very essence of European liberalism: its Greco-Christian history, its ethical implications, and its potential collapse in modern times.
The Sephardic Jews were exiled from Spain during the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. Now, scattere... more The Sephardic Jews were exiled from Spain during the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. Now, scattered across the globe, they often maintain links to their Iberian ancestry. On the 11th of June 2015, Spain passed the Spanish Nationality Law for the Sephardim with Origins in Spain. This law presents a dilemma: On the one hand, the ancestors of today's Sephardic Jews were forced, against their will, out of their own country, prompting the argument that their right to their ancestral homeland remains. However, this was so long ago, can they legitimately claim any official association to this country today? Furthermore, the Jews were not the only victims of exile in medieval Spain: the peninsula’s Muslims, known as the “Moors,” were also exiled around a century later, between 1609 and 1614. Naturally, many of their descendants, now residing principally in Morocco and Tunisia, want this new policy to be extended to them.
The ambiguity surrounding the UK's religiosity is causing many conflicts in terms of how religion... more The ambiguity surrounding the UK's religiosity is causing many conflicts in terms of how religion should be approached on a societal level. Officially, The United Kingdom is a Christian country, maintaining the Church of England and with unelected bishops in the House of Lords. Consequently, many discrepancies arise between the state's increasing secularity and its Christianity-steeped traditions and history. The problem of this contrast between the country's liberalism and the position of authority which the church maintains is only intensified by the country's increasing multiculturalism which naturally entails elevated religious diversity. This is a matter of establishing a balance between the country's official status as a Christian state and the upholding of its policies of multiculturalism and religious acceptance.
One of the most pertinent socio-political issues to face the Western World today is the ongoing c... more One of the most pertinent socio-political issues to face the Western World today is the ongoing clash between European and Islamic values. The long History of conflict between Islamic and Christian civilizations deepens the Islamo-European divide which remains today. This report uses both literature and a one-to-one interview to assess the many ways which we can observe these tensions within our modern and multicultural European society, how ideological conflict is often misinterpreted as a racial matter, and how both religious and cultural identities have evolved to be fluid and overlapping, provoking some to experience these Islamo-European tensions internally.
Nietzsche is one of several twentieth-century philosophers who picked holes in the modern values ... more Nietzsche is one of several twentieth-century philosophers who picked holes in the modern values of democracy and liberalism. Despite being those which society should supposedly strive for and the indicators of modernity, there are several arguments to suggest that these values have also bestowed negative consequences upon European society. Can it really be deemed a coincidence that the twentieth century brought democracy and liberalism whilst simultaneously birthing the concept of nihilism? The emergence of liberal and democratic ideologies in Europe may be a huge progressive step in terms of social freedoms, but it has nonetheless left Europe somewhat unchained from its sense of purpose and direction.
In today’s modern and supposedly rational society, mention of the biblical concept of the “Fall o... more In today’s modern and supposedly rational society, mention of the biblical concept of the “Fall of Man” could seem incongruous and even irrelevant. How can such an archaic concept, requiring complete denial of Darwin’s theory of evolution as the beginning of the human race, stand alongside modernity? Regardless of one's personal religious views, the story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace is loaded with symbolism and ideas regarding our humanity which cannot, and should not, be overlooked.
Through a sequence of irreversible blows, Judeo-Christian civilisation has evolved from self-iden... more Through a sequence of irreversible blows, Judeo-Christian civilisation has evolved from self-identifying as being made in God's image with a special task to fulfil in the world, this world which was believed to be the centre of the universe, to the modern scientific view that not-only is the Earth merely a planet among planets, but also that Mankind is merely an animal among animals. This meant a gradual movement away from the notion of a world designed with men in mind. This will be an analysis of the four proposed stages to this gradual decay of Anthropocentrism, referred to as the "blows to Man," assessing how they can be deemed as such and also ultimately determining whether each one was equally devastating or if some cut deeper than others.
Politics, Philosophy and Science: three separate fields of knowledge or overlapping in some way? ... more Politics, Philosophy and Science: three separate fields of knowledge or overlapping in some way? This study primarily explores Valery's perspective regarding between how these three areas interlink, drawing comparisons with various other philosophers' ideas upon the topic, such as Ancient Greek perspectives and Habernas' theories regarding technocracy, work and interaction.
Europe is often viewed as a solely Christian, or at best Judeo-Christian continent. But what of I... more Europe is often viewed as a solely Christian, or at best Judeo-Christian continent. But what of Islam? This essay explores the long-standing and complex relationship which Europe holds with Islamic culture and spirituality, from the birth of civilisation to present day and attempts to decipher why Islam is still regarded as somewhat "foreign" and separate to Europe whilst Christianity and Judaism, although also Middle Eastern imports, are considered "European."
Many would argue that Europe is steadily cutting ties with religion as an increasing number of st... more Many would argue that Europe is steadily cutting ties with religion as an increasing number of states are embracing secularism. However, considering European's History of Christianity and the long-term dominating force of Christianity, can European society ever truly break away? This is a study of the elements of Christianity which remain in modern European society and analyses why this is the case and what impact this may have had over the years.
Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Fa... more Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Failure to attach the coversheet as required may result in your work not being accepted for assessment. Word count, which should be calculated electronically, must be stated accurately below. For details of what is included in the word count, and penalties incurred by exceeding the word count limit, please consult the coursework submission policy in the Faculty handbook. DECLARATION BY STUDENT This assignment is entirely my own work. Quotations from secondary literature are indicated by the use of inverted commas around ALL such quotations AND by reference in the text or notes to the author concerned. ALL primary and secondary literature used in this piece of work is indicated in the bibliography placed at the end, and dependence upon ANY source used is indicated at the appropriate point in the text. I confirm that no sources have been used other than those stated. I understand what is meant by plagiarism and have signed at enrolment the declaration concerning the avoidance of plagiarism.
Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Fa... more Complete all sections of this form and ensure it is the first page of the document you submit. Failure to attach the coversheet as required may result in your work not being accepted for assessment. Word count, which should be calculated electronically, must be stated accurately below. For details of what is included in the word count, and penalties incurred by exceeding the word count limit, please consult the coursework submission policy in the Faculty handbook. DECLARATION BY STUDENT This assignment is entirely my own work. Quotations from secondary literature are indicated by the use of inverted commas around ALL such quotations AND by reference in the text or notes to the author concerned. ALL primary and secondary literature used in this piece of work is indicated in the bibliography placed at the end, and dependence upon ANY source used is indicated at the appropriate point in the text. I confirm that no sources have been used other than those stated. I understand what is meant by plagiarism and have signed at enrolment the declaration concerning the avoidance of plagiarism.
In the current era of political distrust and ideological extremism, perhaps the only element of m... more In the current era of political distrust and ideological extremism, perhaps the only element of modern politics we can all agree upon is its democratic structure – or can we? While democracy is now revered as the only political system which gives value to the opinions and rights of all individuals, in a society plagued by misinformation and manipulation, we are forced to question whether it is really the most just and robust system to let everyone over a certain age to vote, no matter their level of knowledge or exposure to potentially misleading political campaigns. This will be a study of the very essence of democracy; its flaws, its promise, and whether there exists a viable alternative.
Here I explore how Art and Politics are communicated through the visual art of modern Latin Ameri... more Here I explore how Art and Politics are communicated through the visual art of modern Latin American female artists Ana Mendieta and Doris Salcedo, drawing comparisons between the two and examining various specific works of Art.
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