Global Conversation, Sharjah
“The ‘New’ Middle East: The Return of the Nineteenth Century?”
Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, Professor Sir Steve Smith, cordially invites you to attend our Global Conversation.
| An Alumni and supporters event | |
|---|---|
| Date | 6 February 2016 |
| Time | 17:30 to 20:00 |
| Place | Dr Sultan Al-Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Provider | Alumni and supporters |
Event details
Taking place on Saturday 6 February 2016 at the Dr Sultan Al-Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, this lecture offers you the chance to hear from Exeter’s internationally recognised political scientist Professor Gareth Stansfield, Al-Qasimi Chair of Arab Studies in a presentation entitled "The 'New' Middle East: The Return of the Nineteenth Century?" which will consider the ‘new’ Middle East, the rise and return of new forces in the region and the durability of established political orders.
The Middle East and North Africa region is in turmoil, and is in a period of profound transformation following the events of the Arab Spring(s) of 2011. As established orders have been weakened, two patterns have become evident. At the ‘internal’ level, once strong states are now weak, losing their power to once weak societies that are now more powerful than before. At the regional level, the empires of the nineteenth century have arguably returned in their twenty-first century forms. Outside powers are also displaying their nineteenth century pedigree to the full, with their continuation of alliance politics bringing them to the region. With Britain joining the US, France and Russia by having permanent and extensive military basing in the region, in a policy that has been referred to as ‘a return East of Suez’, we are in fact witnessing a continuation of a far older trend. In a thought-provoking analysis, Professor Stansfield will consider the ‘new’ Middle East, the rise and return of new forces in the region and the durability of established political orders.
Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions directly to an expert panel and to network with Exeter alumni during dinner.
Book your place
To register for this event please complete the online booking form. You are welcome to bring a guest and dinner will be provided after the lecture.
Join the Conversation today by following @UoEGlobalConvo on Twitter and visit the Global Conversation webpage for more details. If you are based in UAE, connect with your alumni community by joining the UAE LinkedIn group.
If you have any questions, please contact alumni@exeter.ac.uk.
Join us for our next Global Conversation lecture in Sharjah
Location:
Dr Sultan Al-Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies
