International Conference on Middle East Strategic Landscape Years After the First World War September 12-14, 2015 Cairo, Egypt
International Conference on Middle East Strategic Landscape First World War The Concept Years After the The Middle East and the Arab World went through dramatic changes since 1914, the outset of the First World War. Nation-States have been established, borders have been demarcated, sources of wealth have been discovered, revolutions took place and the relative power of political and social groups have changed. In the last two decades alone, drastic changes took place in the whole Middle East and the Arab World such as the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, the collapse of authoritarian regimes in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia among others since 2011, the collapse of the totalitarian theological regime in Egypt in 2013, the division of Yemen into 6 regions, the civil war in Syria and the emergence of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The Arab-Israeli conflict, a protracted social conflict, still unresolved. There are potentials for two very new wars in the region, on one hand, an ethnic/sectarian one between the Arabs and the Kurds, between Shiites and Sunnis, and on the other hand, war over scarce water. The people of the Middle East yearn, like all humans, for a peaceful and secure life. However, international competition over the geostrategic importance of the region in addition to internal conflicts, hinder their desire for a peaceful life. The question is how could nations of the Middle East develop their standard of living and quality of life, like others, while interacting cooperatively with other nations? How could they avoid the harsh impact of the competition over the leadership of the international system on their lives, while dealing with all partners? How could they set a friendly and healthy environment conducive for a better life for their young generations/youth, which compose at least 60% of the population? Could they create diversified societies or at least neutralize differences while they are building the basis for their future? Could they manage positively these issues or the agreements which took place during and after the First and the Second World Wars between great powers at the time prevent them from doing this? The International Conference on Middle East Strategic Landscape 100 Years after the First World War with participants from different fields of study and investigation will analyze the strategic landscape of the Middle East as well as its future. 1
Partners The conference will be jointly arranged and managed by the Faculty of Economics and Political Science (FEPS) at Future University in Egypt (FUE) and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Program for Strategic Research and Studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF). It will be open for participation from universities, organizations, representatives of corporations, research centers, think tanks, government officials and advisors, businessmen, young researchers and graduate students. Abstract The abstract (300-350 words) should be sent by April 19, 2015. It should cover the main arguments of the paper, theoretical framework, methodology, and conclusion. All participants are required to attach their Bio and contact information with the abstract. Notification for accepted papers will be sent by April 24, 2015. Paper The full paper (7000 words) should be submitted by September 1, 2015. Publication The final papers will be published by the end of the conference. Venue The conference will be hosted by FEPS at Future University in Egypt (FUE) Campus Cairo, Egypt http://goo.gl/9zzgjo, located at: End of 90th St., Fifth Settlement, New Cairo. Registration All attendees (listeners), presenters, and speakers must register online for the conference through this URL http://www.fue.edu.eg/feps/allregisterationforms.aspx Guests from outside FUE are also welcomed to attend this conference. Conference Dates September 12-14, 2015 Submission Policy Both abstract and paper should be submitted by email to: Abdul-Monem Al-Mashat, Dean Faculty of Economics and Political Science (FEPS) Future University in Egypt (FUE) Email: feps.conference@fue.edu.eg 2
MIDDLE EAST STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE 100 YEARS SINCE FIRST WORLD WAR SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2015 CAIRO, EGYPT AGENDA SEPTEMBER 12 THIS DAY WILL LOOK AT REGIONAL CONDITIONS DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR ERA, AND HOW THEY HELP EXPLAIN CONTEMPORARY REGIONAL CHALLENGES 08:00 08:30 REGISTRATION 09:00 09:15 Welcome and Introduction 09:15 09:30 Official Opening Mr. Khaled Azazi (Chairman Board of Directors FUE) Professor Ebada Sarhan (University President) H.E. Eng. Ibrahim Mahlab (Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt) (TBC) 09:30 10:45 Panel 1: The Turkish Middle East and the Rise of Western Influence Rania Ali Maher (Associate Professor, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Helwan University). Houman Sadri (Information and Policy Analysis Center & University of Central Florida) Hakan Ozoglu (Director of the Middle Eastern Minor - University of Central Florida) This Panel will focus on conditions in the Middle East region before, during, and in the immediate aftermath of the First World War. Why did the Ottoman Empire fail to develop Ottoman nationalism? What are some of the political legacies of the Ottoman period? What problems emerged at these times that still influence the region? 10:45 11:00 Coffee and Networking Break 3
11:00 12:15 Panel 2: Sykes-Picot and Drawing the Map 12:15 13:30 Lunch David Dumke (Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Program for Strategic Research and Studies - University of Central Florida) Issandr El Amrani (North Africa Project Director, International Crisis Group) Peter Sluglett (Director of the Middle East Institute - National University of Singapore) This Panel will focus on how the borders were drawn in the wake of the First World War, the durability of these lines, and whether boundaries will be changing in the coming years and who will change them? What are the historic roots of the current troubles in Iraq and Syria? And do they tell us about the future? 13:30 15:00 Panel 3: The Rise of Arab Nation States Sayed Yassin (Former Director, Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies) Abdul-Monem Al-Mashat (Dean, Faculty of Economics and Political Science - Future University in Egypt (FUE) From Independence to Revolutions: The Fate of Arab States David Dumke (Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Program for Strategic Research and Studies - University of Central Florida) Saleh A. Ahmed (Faculty of Economics and Political Science - Future University in Egypt (FUE)): From State Failure to State Collapse in the Arab Region: Causes and Methods of Prevention 15:00 15:15 Coffee Break This Panel will look at the political development of Arab states after the First World War, including their strengths and weaknesses. What problems did Western colonialism cause and expose? This includes a discussion of the plight of Palestine a lingering legacy of a decision made in the First World War era. 4
15:15 17:00 Panel 4: Regional Economic & Social Development Mostafa Ahmed Mostafa (Professor of Economics, Institute of National Planning). - Ola Emara (School of Management Sciences - October University for Modern Sciences and Arts): The Compatibility in Budgetary and Administrative Development: Incidents from the Case of Egypt - Azza Hedia (Department of Logistics of International Trade - Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport): Egypt's Twin Deficits - Islam Abdelbary (Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport & Plymouth University) and Dr. James Benhin (Plymouth University): The Effect of Economic Reform Programs on Arab Economies Development from 1980 to 2010. The discussion will focus on the economic and social development of the region since the First World War era. What decisions have been successful in the region s growth, or in nations in the region including in the realm of economics and education? What decisions have failed? What historically rooted problems continue to impede regional development on either the political and social level? SEPTEMBER 13 THIS DAY WILL EXAMINE CONTEMPORARY EVENTS, HOW THEY WILL LIKELY PLAY OUT IN THE COMING YEARS, AND EXPLORE WHETHER AND HOW HISTORICAL EVENTS CONTINUE TO SHAPE THE REGION 09:00 10:30 Panel 5: Sectarianism and Extremism Ambassador Mostafa Independent Thinker) Elfiki (Writer and Peter Sluglett (Director of the Middle East Institute - National University of Singapore) Frederic Wehrey (Middle East Program - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace) Cornelis Hulsman (Arab-West Report): 5
"Status of Christians in the Arab World after Arab Revolutions in 2011" This Panel will look at the state of sectarianism and extremism in the region. What are the root historic causes of these problems? How can they best be managed and addressed in the short and long term? Is it a foregone solution that the region will be frequently susceptible to problems caused or shaped by identity-based challenges? 10:30 12:00 Panel 6: Revolt, Revolution, Political Islam, and Challenges to Governance 12:00 12:15 Coffee Break Dr. Rhonda Shearer (Editor-in-chief, publisher, imediaethics and Distinguished Visiting Scholar FUE) Houman Sadri (Information and Policy Analysis Center & University of Central Florida) Jonathan Powell (University of Central Florida) Sarra Moneir (Faculty of Economics and Political Science - Future University in Egypt (FUE) & International Development Studies University of Vienna): Visual Methodology and Post-Revolutionary Egypt The events of the last five years have upset the political status quo and resulted in considerable political change throughout the Arab world. What are the common components of the regional revolts and revolution, and what issues need to be addressed? Are there historical parallels to earlier eras, including the challenges posed by post-first World War and post-colonial eras? What is the appeal of political Islam and other alternative forms of governance? Are there regional historical precedents that explain the emergence of new political forces? 12:15 13: 15 Panel 7: Natural Resources Influence on International Relations Diaa Rashwan (Director, Center of Strategic and Political Studies, Al-Ahram) Hassan M. Wageih (Faculty of Economics and Political Science - Future University in Egypt (FUE)): 6
Overcoming the Negative Perceptions in the Water Negotiation Processes between Egypt & Ethiopia. A Study from Systems Thinking, Conceptual Metaphors & Critical Discourse Analysis Perspectives. Ahmed Mahdi (Faculty of Economics and Political Science - Future University in Egypt (FUE)): Realigning the Energy Axis? Fracking in the United States, and Oil as a Constant Factor in American Foreign Policy towards the Middle East. 13:30 15:00 Working Lunch on Arab Relations with Key Global Players (Three Groups) (Faculty of Economics and Political Science Building) We will examine and discuss the Arab world s relations with key global players including Turkey, Iran, Russia, and the EU and examine the interests of each player, how relations will be managed, and looking at historic links which explain how relations have developed, changed, or been maintained in the last century. - Israel, Turkey and Iran. (F 2.4) - EU. (F 2.8) - Russia and China. (F 3.3) 15:00 16:30 Panel 8: U.S. Arab and Regional Relations: Past, Present, and Future Minister Nabil Fahmy (Dean School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, AUC) Issandr El Amrani (North Africa Project Director, International Crisis Group) David Dumke (Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Program for Strategic Research and Studies - University of Central Florida) Chintamani Mahapatra (School of International Studies - Jawaharlal Nehru University): End of the Era of US Hegemony in the Middle East? Arguably, U.S. involvement in the Middle East began in earnest after First World War, attributable to economic and strategic interest0s. While U.S. influence would not peak until much later, its role throughout the past century has been both praised and criticized. Where are relations headed in future years? What does history tell us about the nature of Washington s ties to the region? 7
17:00 18:00 Panel 9: Closing Panel Guest Speaker: Prof. Ashraf Al-Arabi (Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform) We will attempt to tie the past to the present, and see what that suggests about the future of the region. This includes: - The influence of non-arab players, including Turkey and the U.S.; - The possible collapse of nation-states and redrawing of boundaries; - Keys to political development, change, and durable models of governance; and, - Understanding the challenges of extremism and sectarianism. SEPTEMBER 14 PARTICIPANTS MAY SIGHTSEE FREELY, WITH ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED FOR THOSE INTERESTED. 8