EVENTS
AP Photo
Why Arab States Fear Islamist Regimes: Threat Perception and Soft Power Politics
Brown Bag Lunch
Open to the Public - Allison Dining Room, Taubman Building-5th Floor
November 30, 2009
12:15-2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Lawrence Rubin, Research Fellow, Dubai Initiative
Related Projects: International Security, The Dubai Initiative
The Islamist regimes that seized power in Sudan (1989), Afghanistan (1996), and Iran (1979) did not have significant military capabilities when they came to power, and in some cases never achieved it. Yet these Islamist regimes were regarded by neighboring states, including Muslim-majority countries, as serious national security threats. Using comparative case studies of Egyptian and Saudi Arabian responses to the rise of Islamist regimes in Sudan and Iran, this project examines why Arab states regard Islamist regimes with limited military capabilities as threats to their security and analyzes how this threat perception affects domestic and international politics.
Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.
Institutions, Labor Markets and Economic Diversification in the Gulf
Lecture
Open to the Public - Fainsod Room, Littauer-324
November 16, 2009
3:00-4:30 p.m.
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
Tarek Coury is Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the Dubai School of Government. Dr. Coury's current research is on the political economy and macroeconomics of the Gulf States. In addition to macroeconomic aspects of regional integration, Dr. Coury is interested in the growth impact of sovereign wealth funds and natural resources revenue, and the development of financial markets in the region. Dr. Coury's other research interests are in macroeconomic theory, decision theory and game theory. Dr. Coury was previously Economics Faculty at the University of Cambridge and later at the University of Oxford. He received his Economics PhD from Cornell University in 2003.
Harvard Arab Weekend
Non-Belfer Event
Conference
Open to the Public
November 12, 2009 - November 15, 2009
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
As the world recovers from an unprecedented financial downturn, public and private institutions across the globe seek innovative means to overcome the daunting challenges they face. Through this year's theme "From Tradition to Innovation | Leading Change in MENA" the students of Harvard will explore innovations that stem from a region rich in traditions. From the birth of the green oasis of MASDAR to the revitalization of the ancient landmark of Fez, we will take you on a unique journey of discovery and understanding. The exciting program we offer you this year will also include joint panels between the various graduate schools as well as a poster session. In addition to a series of spectacular panels, this event will be host to the 4th Annual Career Fair, a Civil Society Forum and an Alumni Gala Dinner.
His Excellency Abdallah Baali, Ambassador of Algeria to the U.S.
Lecture
Open to the Public - Belfer Center Library, Littauer-369
October 29, 2009
4:30-5:45 p.m.
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
The Middle East Diplomacy Series and the Dubai Initiative Present:
His Excellency Abdallah Baali
Ambassador of Algeria to the United States
With an introduction by Ambassador Nick Burns
Sharon Wilke
Fatah, Hamas, and the Future Palestinian State
Lecture
Open to the Public - Starr Auditorium
October 27, 2009
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
Dr. Khalil Shikaki will speak about Fatah-Hamas relations and the future of Palestinian state building, touching on reconciliation talks, the potential for West Bank-Gaza Strip reunification, the upcoming election, and the future of Palestinian governance.
Khalil Shikaki is a Fellow at Brandeis's Crown Center for Middle East Studies and has directed the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah since 2000. He has conducted more than one hundred polls among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since 1993. A world-renowned expert on Palestinian public opinion and a widely published author, he has taught at several institutions, including Birzeit University, An-Najah National University, the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, and the University of South Florida. He also was a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., in 2002.
Vali Nasr presents Forces of Fortune: The Rise of the New Muslim Middle Class and What It Will Mean For Our World
Colloquium
Open to the Public - 124 Mount Auburn St., Suite 160
October 8, 2009
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
Vali Nasr will present findings from his new book, Forces of Fortune: The Rise of the New Muslim Middle Class and What It Will Mean For Our World.
Book signing to follow at the Coop.
Dubai 3.0: Urban Infrastructure Strategies in the Gulf
Brown Bag Lunch
Harvard students, staff, faculty - Kahn Seminar Room (Littauer 382)
October 7, 2009
12:15-1:45 p.m.
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
Brown Bag presentation by Stephen Ramos, Research Fellow at the Dubai Initiative. Refreshments will be served.
What Accounts for the Success or Failure of Islamist Parties in the Arab World?
Brown Bag Lunch
Open to the Public - Belfer Center Library, Littauer-369
May 6, 2009
12:15-1:45 p.m.
Speaker: Michael Robbins, Dubai Initiative Fellow
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
An examination of the cases of Jordan, the West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen
Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served
Sacred Empire: American Missionaries and Filipino Muslims, 1898–1913
Brown Bag Lunch
Open to the Public - Taubman 275
May 4, 2009
12:15-2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Karine Walther, Research Fellow, Initiative on Relgion in International Affairs/Dubai Initiative/International Security Program
Related Projects: International Security, Religion in International Affairs, The Dubai Initiative
When the United States took administrative and military control of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War of 1898, they created a "Moro Province" to govern all Filipino Muslims. Although this province grouped together thirteen different cultural-linguistic groups, Islam was the sole factor uniting these peoples; religious identity was the primary tool of classification for U.S. government officials. The colonial government subjected the Moro Province to a unique set of laws, which they believed necessary to regulate Muslims' exceptional character traits. American missionaries became crucial actors influencing U.S. policy with regards to the governance of Filipino Muslims, demonstrating the importance of nongovernmental organizations in shaping U.S. policy.
Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come-first served basis.
Environment and Politics in Egypt and the Gulf
Brown Bag Lunch
Open to the Public - Belfer Center Library, Littauer-369
April 8, 2009
12:15-1:45 p.m.
Speaker: Jeannie Sowers, Dubai Initiative Fellow
Related Project: The Dubai Initiative
Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served
