Call for Papers: International Relations in a Multi-Polar Middle East
29th Jun 2020 12:00 - 1st Jul 2020 12:00
Location: Online
Deadline extended
Call for Papers:
International Relations in a Multi-Polar Middle East
SEPAD E-Workshop 29th June-1st July 2020
This online conference seeks to explore international relations in today's Middle East, a region that has become increasingly multi-polar. In the years after the Arab Uprisings, the fragmentation of political projects and opening up of schisms between rulers and ruled – resulting in protest, resistance and conflict - has expanded the arenas competed over by regional powers, global actors and non-state players. The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has found traction across the region but the aspirations of Riyadh and Tehran have become contested by other regional actors including Turkey, Egypt and Israel, while smaller players like the UAE and Qatar have also increased their regional activism. The United States, once seemingly intent on a hegemonic 'Pax Americana' has stepped back, leaving its rivals and allies, Russia, China and the EU, among others, with both concerns and opportunities. Meanwhile some non-state players, like Islamists, nationalists and separatists have taken advance and/or entrenched their positions, while transnational identities, ideologies, economic trends and threats continue to influence local and international politics. Added to this the local and global ramifications of the Covid-19 Pandemic look set to further impact the region's international dynamics moving forward.
We welcome papers addressing any area of international relations relating to this broad topic. Abstracts should be no more than 200 words and submitted by 18th May 2020. Papers will be presented in online panels for 15 minutes per presenter, followed by a Q and A with registered participants. In an effort to address concerns about online events, we encourage all presenters to use powerpoint presentations.
Please submit abstracts to Eyad Al Refai at E.AlRefai@Lancaster.ac.uk.
Workshop organisers:
Simon Mabon, Edward Wastnidge, Chris Phillips, May Darwich, Francesco Belcastro, Jasmine Gani.
