IIWS – Institute for Islamic World Studies is pleased to attend its third public lectures series for 2014-2015

“A Critique of Failing International Relations Theories in Middle Eastern and African Tests ” by  Ahmed Ali Salem –  Associate Professor, Institute for Islamic World Studies

Lecture Summary:

The international relations theories and research programs that are systematically defined by the academic communities in Western higher-education institutions are now globally presented as determining what can be said, how it can be said, and whether or not what is said constitutes a pertinent or important contribution to knowledge. These theories and programs are studied uncritically in most higher-education institutions worldwide, including the Middle East and Africa, none of which occupies a central position in these theories and programs. Though claiming to be universal, most international relations theories focus on global major powers in the West (however defined), and therefore treat the international politics of minor international actors in non-Western regions only minimally and marginally. Several of my previous works demonstrate that “universal” international relations theories fail to explain the international politics of the Middle East and Africa. Examples of failing theories include realism and constructivism, as well as middle-level theories, such as the democratic peace and inter-state rivalry. After discussing specific cases of failure, I will introduce a new school of international relations theory based on Islamic principles and Muslim history. This school moves beyond religious and ideological commitments to theoretical and empirical arguments.

Venue: CON-03-029 Al Salmi (Abu Dhabi Campus) & 01-L1-075 (Dubai Campus)

Date: March, 24th 2015

Time: 1 pm – 3 pm

Lecture language:  the lecture will be conducted in English