College students in the twenty-first century will venture into a complex society of diversity, multiculturalism, and global interconnectedness. This collection of essays encourages students to think about and respond critically and analytically to the opportunities and challenges posed by modern globalization. In Aspiration & Dissonance: Readings in History, Religion, and Global Affairs, the contributing authors provide eclectic perspectives on and interpretations of provocative topics, such as slavery, ideological revolutions, imperialism, religious tolerance, and terrorism. Each author's commentary is enhanced by excerpts from primary sources, suggested readings, and questions for further discussion. The interdisciplinary nature of this work makes it an ideal supplementary reader for a wide variety of courses across the humanities and social sciences.