Month: June 2015

International Conference on the Geo-Politics of the Middle East: Call for Papers

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Geo Politics of the Middle East

The Middle East Studies Forum (MESF) at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADICG), in partnership with the Middle East Institute (National University of Singapore) and the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (ANU) are pleased to issue this Call for Papers for the forthcoming symposium ‘Making Sense of Geo-Politics in the Middle East’.
Deakin University (Melbourne, Australia), October 28-29, 2015

The rise of the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq, which claims to revive the historic Islamic Caliphate, has brought to the fore intense state rivalries. This is most notable between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which appear to be locked in a number of theatres of conflict from Syria to Yemen. But other enmities have also intensified as a result of growing tensions and states’ self-perception of their regional weight. These include frictions between Qatar and Egypt, Iran and Turkey, and Egypt and Turkey. Compounding each of these is the emergence of the self-declared Islamic State and the prospects of a future Kurdish state.

This conference welcomes informed and robust discussion of the following key questions:

  • Do recent events suggest a reassertion of state-centric politics over ideological considerations?
  • Are we witnessing the demise of ideology as a normative tool for change?
  • To what extent can the reassertion of geo-politics in the Middle East be seen as a vindication of the neo-realist paradigm in International Relations?
  • What is the trajectory of future developments in the region?
  • What are the key factors driving geo-politics in the Middle East

Keynote Speakers:

  • Prof. Mehran Kamrava, Center for International and Regional Studies, Georgetown University
  • Prof. Amin Saikal, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (the Middle East and Central Asia), ANU
  • Prof. Gareth Stansfield, Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies, Exeter University

Abstract Submission:

If you would like to present a paper as part of this conference, please submit the following to Dr. James Barry (james.barry@deakin.edu.au) by Friday 31 July 2015:

– A title and 250 word abstract addressing one of the key questions outlined above, and a 100 word biography

Hosted by:

The Middle East Studies Forum at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, in partnership with the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore and the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (the Middle East and Central Asia).

Contact: Gemma Ross McGlynn, g.rossmcglynn@deakin.edu.au