The 17 original essays that comprise this volume examine various aspects of socio-religious and political problems that that have been sparked by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. They study the use of religion to evoke mass hysteria and demonstrate how liberalization, globalization and privatization go hand-in-hand with the rise of religion-based politics. Among the issues discussed include: the educated elite's use of religion to cushion a possible underprivileged uprising; NRI funding of identity-based organizations; conversions; and the Hindutva strategy of simultaneously oppressing and attempting to mobilize sections like tribals, Dalits, workers, women and minorities.