Political Islam and Middle Eastern Politics Training Course

Political Islam and Middle Eastern Politics Training Course

Introduction

Political Islam and Middle Eastern Politics Training Course provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between Political Islam and the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It moves beyond simplistic narratives, equipping participants with the critical analytical tools necessary to deconstruct the historical evolution, diverse ideologies, and contemporary manifestations of political Islam. We'll explore how this potent force has shaped everything from state-building and governance to regional conflicts and global security, challenging conventional perspectives and fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's multifaceted dynamics.

The program delves into the historical roots of modern Middle Eastern politics, tracing the emergence of key political systems, ideologies, and social movements. We'll examine the impact of colonialism, nationalism, and state formation, as well as the enduring influence of religion on political life. The course provides a rigorous, scholarly framework to analyze the rise of Islamist movements, their varying approaches to political power, and their complex relationships with both state and non-state actors. By blending historical context with contemporary case studies, participants will be able to navigate the intricate political landscape of the MENA region with confidence and expertise.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Deconstruct the historical and ideological foundations of Political Islam and its diverse currents.
2. Analyze the geopolitical dynamics and regional rivalries shaping the modern Middle East.
3. Evaluate the role of Islamist movements in state-building and democratic transitions.
4. Examine the Arab uprisings and their long-term impact on political stability and governance.
5. Understand the complexities of the Sunni-Shia divide and its political ramifications.
6. Critically assess the influence of external powers on Middle Eastern politics.
7. Analyze the role of oil and political economy in shaping regional alliances and conflicts.
8. Explore the intersection of gender, society, and politics within Islamist ideologies.
9. Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate media narratives and academic discourse on the MENA region.
10. Differentiate between Islamism, Salafism, and Jihadism and their varying political strategies.
11. Investigate the rise of non-state actors and extremist groups like ISIS and their impact on regional security.
12. Analyze Iran's foreign policy and its role in the regional balance of power.
13. Formulate evidence-based assessments of future political trends and security challenges in the Middle East.

Organizational Benefits

• Equip staff with a deep, current understanding of a critical global region, fostering better-informed decisions.
• Improve the ability to anticipate and respond to political risks and instability in key markets and operational zones.
• Provide a competitive edge by enabling more accurate forecasting and strategic planning related to the MENA region.
• Foster a nuanced appreciation for regional socio-political dynamics, enhancing communication and relationship-building.
• Build internal and external credibility as a knowledgeable and reliable partner on Middle East affairs.

Target Audiences

1. Government & Diplomacy Professionals.
2. International Business Executives.
3. NGO and Humanitarian Workers.
4. Journalists & Foreign Correspondents.
5. Academics & Researchers.
6. Security & Defense Personnel.
7. Political Risk Analysts.
8. Policy Makers.

Course Outline

Module 1: The Foundations of Political Islam

• Introduction to Political Islam: Defining key terms, historical origins, and core ideologies.
• The Muslim Brotherhood: Ideological evolution and its role in modern politics.
• Salafism vs. Jihadism: Differentiating between political and non-political Salafist movements.
• Islamist Thinkers: Exploring the intellectual currents that shaped Islamist thought.
• Case Study: The rise and fall of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

Module 2: The Modern Middle East State System

• Post-Colonial State Formation: Examining the legacy of colonialism and state-building.
• Authoritarianism & Rentier States: Analyzing the resilience of autocratic regimes in the MENA region.
• The Role of Oil: Understanding the impact of energy resources on political stability and foreign policy.
• Political Legitimacy: How Middle Eastern states use religion and nationalism to maintain power.
• Case Study: The political dynamics of Saudi Arabia and the role of the religious establishment.

Module 3: The Iranian Revolution and the Shia Crescent

• The 1979 Revolution: Causes, consequences, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
• Iran's Regional Ambitions: Analyzing Iran's foreign policy and its proxy networks.
• Hezbollah & Political Power: The transformation of Hezbollah from a resistance group to a political actor.
• The Sunni-Shia Proxy War: Investigating regional conflicts in Syria and Yemen.
• Case Study: The sectarian dimension of the Syrian Civil War.

Module 4: The Arab Uprisings and Their Aftermath

• Drivers of the Revolutions: Socio-economic factors and the role of social media.
• Political Islam's Moment: The electoral successes and subsequent setbacks of Islamist parties.
• The Rise of Counter-Revolution: Analyzing the forces that opposed democratic change.
• State Failure and Civil War: Examining the collapse of the state in Libya and Yemen.
• Case Study: The divergent outcomes of the Arab Spring in Tunisia and Syria.

Module 5: Terrorism, Extremism, and Non-State Actors

• The Evolution of Jihadism: From al-Qaeda to the Islamic State.
• ISIS & the Caliphate Project: Understanding the ideology, recruitment, and strategy of the Islamic State.
• Foreign Fighters & Lone Wolves: The global reach of jihadist ideology.
• Counter-Terrorism Strategies: Evaluating international and regional responses to extremism.
• Case Study: The rise and territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Module 6: Turkey, The Gulf, and Regional Rivalries

• Turkey's Neo-Ottomanism: Analyzing the foreign policy of the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
• GCC Dynamics: The political and economic power of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
• The Qatar Crisis: Understanding the diplomatic and political blockade of Qatar.
• The UAE's Foreign Policy: Examining its assertive role in the region.
• Case Study: The competition for influence between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Module 7: The Israel-Palestine Conflict and Broader Regional Politics

• Historical Context: The origins of the conflict and its enduring impact on regional politics.
• Hamas & Palestinian Politics: The role of the Islamist movement in the Palestinian territories.
• Israel's Security Challenges: Analyzing threats from both state and non-state actors.
• The Abraham Accords: Examining the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab states.
• Case Study: The political dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Module 8: The Future of Political Islam and the Middle East

• Post-Islamism: Debating whether the era of political Islam is over.
• New Political Movements: The rise of new civil society groups and protest movements.
• The Geopolitical Outlook: Forecasting future trends in regional stability and power balances.
• Climate Change and Food Security: Analyzing emerging non-traditional security threats.
• Case Study: Political and economic reforms in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.