Beyond Economic Migration: Social, Historical, and Political Factors in US Immigration
2023-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 (Asia/Qatar) | Education City, Al Luqta St, Ar-Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
Moderator: Zahra Babar (Center for International and Regional Studies, Georgetown University in Qatar)

Panelists: Min Zhou (University of California, Los Angeles), Hasan Mahmud (Northwestern University in Qatar), and Misba Bhatti (Center for International and Regional Studies, Georgetown University in Qatar).

Location: CIRS Conference Room, Georgetown University in Qatar

CIRS Open House
2023-08-21 13:00 - 14:00
On August 21, 2023, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) held an open house for GU-Q students, faculty, and staff to learn more about CIRS, the CIRS Undergraduate Research Advancement (CURA) program, and how they can be involved in the Center’s work. Over 70 attendees met CIRS staff members and listened to a presentation by Elizabeth Wanucha, CIRS Operations Manager.

Iran-Saudi Relations: Changing Regional Alignments
2023-09-10 18:00 - 19:00
Speaker: Mehran Kamrava (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Moderator: Gerd Nonneman (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Location: Faculty Conference Room, GU-Q (First floor)

Mehran Kamrava is Professor of Government at Georgetown University Qatar. Kamrava is the author of a number of journal articles and books, including, most recently, Righteous Politics: Power and Resilience in Iran (Cambridge University Press, 2023); A Dynastic History of Iran: From the Qajars to the Pahlavis (Cambridge University Press, 2022); and Triumph and Despair: In Search of Iran’s Islamic Republic (Oxford University Press, 2022).

The Invasion of Iraq: Regional Reflections
2023-09-14 18:00 - 2023-09-16 16:00
The 2003 invasion of Iraq marked a critical turning point in America’s relationship with Iraq and its neighboring countries, a region of strategic importance encompassing vital energy and military interests, and reshaped its diplomatic relations worldwide. This conference was convened by the Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar, Dr. Safwan Masri, in collaboration with the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS). Taking a regional perspective, this meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the many geopolitical and socioeconomic consequences of the conflict that continue to reverberate across the globe twenty years later.

View the highlighs

About the Conference

Sociolinguistics Landscape and Culture in Qatar - Workshop II
2023-09-24 08:00 - 2023-09-25 17:00
On September 24 and 25, 2023, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) hosted a roundtable workshop titled “Sociolinguistics Landscape and Culture in Qatar.” The two-day workshop was the second meeting under the “Narratives of Language Landscapes in Qatar” research initiative led by GU-Q faculty member, Yehia A. Mohamed. The aim of the workshop was to discuss and provide feedback on the abstracts submitted by the workshop participant.

To view the working group agenda, click here

To read the participants’ biographies, click here

Read more about this research initiative

Participants and Discussants:

Wisam Kh. Abdul-Jabbar, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Muntasir Fayez Al Hamad, Qatar University

H.E. Dr. Hamad Al-Kawari, State Minister Qatar

Hadeel Al-Khatib, Qatar University

Najma Al Zidjaly, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Andrei Avram, University of Bucharest, Romania

Misba Bhatti, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Julie Boéri, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Deborah Giustini, Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Najla Kalach, Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma (UNINT University)

Vladimir Kulikov, Qatar University

Suzi Mirgani, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Yehia Abdelmobdy Mohamed, Georgetown University in Qatar

Dudley Reynolds, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar

Yasir Suleiman, University of Cambridge

Irene Theodoropoulou, Qatar University

Elizabeth Wanucha, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

David Wilmsen, American University of Sharjah

Wajdi Zaghouani, Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Conceptualizing Womanhood in the Arabian Littoral of the Gulf
2023-10-16 18:00 - 19:00
Speaker: Maryam Alsada (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Moderator: Trish Kahle (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Location: Faculty Conference Room, GU-Q (First floor)

Maryam Alsada is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Humanities and Social Sciences at Georgetown University in Qatar. Alsada completed her PhD at UCL, where she employed an interdisciplinary approach to studying the Arabian littoral of the Gulf at the Department of Anthropology. She also holds an MSc in Public Policy from UCL, as well as a BS in Foreign Service and a Certificate in American Studies from Georgetown University in Qatar.

Mobility Diplomacy: How States Maximize Passport Power
2023-10-26 08:00 - 17:00
Speaker: Noora Lori (Boston University)

Moderators: Nadya Sbaiti (Georgetown University in Qatar) and Sami Hermez (Northwestern University in Qatar)

About the event: Co-organized by CIRS and Northwestern University in Qatar, the talk introduced the concept of mobility diplomacy and argued that neither wealth nor political stability are sufficient conditions for unlocking visa-free travel.

The Environmental Drivers of Out-Migration in Bangladesh
2023-10-29 17:00 - 18:00
Speaker: Katharine Donato (Georgetown University)

Moderator: Zahra Babar (CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar)

Location: 1D02 Faculty Conference Room, Georgetown University in Qatar (1st floor)

Katharine M. Donato holds the Donald G. Herzberg Chair in International Migration and is Director of the Institute for the Study of International Migration in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Her research addresses many research questions related to global migration.

Afghanistan Regional Symposium: Confronting the Impasse
2023-11-11 09:00 - 17:00
The Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is hosting the “Afghanistan Regional Symposium: Confronting the Impasse.” The symposium gathers leading experts, scholars, and policymakers in a collective pursuit of exploring and addressing the intricate challenges surrounding Afghanistan and its neighboring region. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, there has been an unsettling impasse between Afghanistan and the rest of the world. This impasse presents a critical juncture where conventional strategies of intervention from global powers have become inadequate. Through insightful panels, including discussions on the Afghan peace process, climate change, food security challenges, education, and humanitarian concerns, the symposium fosters a nuanced understanding of ongoing challenges and paves the way for informed impactful solutions.

View SYMPOSIUM highlights

Read About the Symposium

CURA Spotlight: Victor Ehikhamenor
2023-11-29 13:00 - 14:00
Speaker: Victor Ehikhamenor, Artist-in-Residence (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Moderator: Asma Shakeel (Georgetown University in Qatar, Class of 2024)

Location: Georgetown University in Qatar

Persisting Biases: Findings from the UNDP 2023 Gender Social Norm Index
2023-11-29 18:00 - 20:00
The index, which was first introduced in 2020, covers 85 percent of the global population and captures data up to 2022. It provides information on the evolution of social norms over a 10-year period. The 2023 GSNI sheds light on the persistent presence of biased gender social norms across the world. The index reveals around 87% of women and 90% of men harbour biases against women across key dimensions: politics, education, economics, and physical integrity. The 2023 GSNI highlights a number of important findings showing 10 years of stagnation in gender biases and notes that gender social norms could be tackled by education and awareness raising, and through representation and recognition, among others.

The GSNI report and media release is available at https://hdr.undp.org/content/2023-gender-social-norms-index-gsni#/indicies/GSN

Moderator: Biplove Choudhary (Technical Representative & Head of Office, UNDP)

Speakers: Pedro Conceição (Director of the Human Development Report Office, UNDP), Raquel Lagunas (Head of Gender Equality, UNDP), and Nadya Sbaiti (Georgetown University in Qatar).

Location: Faculty Conference Room (1D02), Georgetown University in Qatar.

Global Energy Cultures: How Energy Shapes our Everyday Lives
2023-12-09 08:00 - 2023-12-10 20:00
In collaboration with Msheireb Museums, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is hosting a forum on “Global Energy Cultures: How Energy Shapes our Everyday Lives.” Every aspect of our contemporary lives is shaped by energy; societies are fully dependent on the accessibility and availability of energy products, whether in the form of hydrocarbons or alternative energy sources. At the intersection of academic and artistic perspectives, scholars, artists, and practitioners engage in discussions around the broad theme of “energy.” The aim of the conversations is to make academic research accessible to the public through a series of multidisciplinary talks and cultural events.

Location: Msheireb Museums

About the forum

view forum highlights

Workshop: Race and Ethnicity in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia
2024-01-10 08:00 - 2024-01-11 17:00
On January 10-11, 2024, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar (GUQ) organized a workshop to discuss draft papers submitted under its Race and Ethnicity in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia research initiative. Over two days, the convened scholars presented and received feedback on their papers that tackled a wide array of issues, including; the history of racism in Africa, Turkey, and the Ottoman Empire, the notion of whiteness and blackness, the construction of national identity within diasporic communities and everyday racism in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

To view the working group agenda, click here

To read the participants’ biographies, click here

Read more about this research initiative

Participants and Discussants:

Rogaia Abusharaf, Georgetown University in Qatar

Akintunde E. Akinade, Georgetown University in Qatar

Azza Ahmed Abdel Aziz, University of London

Zahra Babar, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Clovis Bergère, Northwestern University Qatar

Misba Bhatti, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Uday Chandra, Georgetown University in Qatar

Chouki El Hamel, Arizona State University

Amal Ghazal, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies

Sami Hermez, Northwestern University in Qatar

Wilson Chacko Jacob, Concordia University

Taha Kaleem, PhD student, Brandeis University

Aashish Karn, postgraduate student, Lancaster University

Hasan Mahmud, Northwestern University in Qatar

Thomas F. McDow, Ohio State University

Pascal Ménoret, Brandeis University

Mostafa Minawi, Cornell University

Suzi Mirgani, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Yehia Abdelmobdy Mohamed, Georgetown University in Qatar

Anne-Sophie Pratte, Georgetown University in Qatar

Paul A. Silverstein, Reed College (Portland, USA)

Leila Tayeb, Northwestern University in Qatar

Ousmane Traoré, Pomona College

Elizabeth Wanucha, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Tukufu Zuberi, University of Pennsylvania

The Struggles of Palestinian Prisoners
2024-01-29 17:00 - 18:00
Shedding light on current imprisonment conditions and the escalation of mass-arrest campaigns across Palestine, the talk will highlight the centrality of imprisonment to Israel’s project of control and dispossession. Since 1948, it is estimated that the Israeli regime has arrested nearly one million Palestinians, subjecting them to multitude forms of torture and violence, and diligently working to dismantle forms of collective mobilization and resistance inside prisons. The talk will also discuss the hope of true liberation that many have long been holding closely, within and outside the physical space of the prison.

Location: CIRS Conference Room, Georgetown University in Qatar.

Speaker: Basil Farraj (Birzeit University)

Moderator: Sami Hermez (Northwestern University)

CURA Research Skills Workshop: Tools for Effective Argumentative Writing
2024-02-08 13:00 - 15:00
On February 8, 2024, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) hosted a research skills workshop titled “Tools for Effective Argumentative Writing.” The workshop was presented in collaboration with the Office of Academic Services at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), under the auspices of the CIRS Undergraduate Research Advancement (CURA) program. Twelve undergraduate students from GU-Q attended the workshop, which was led by CMU-Q’s Professors Thomas Mitchell and Silvia Pessoa.

“Analyzing and deconstructing sample texts, revealed the various components that blend together to create a coherent and persuasive argument. The ability to break down arguments is a valuable skill that I gained from the workshop.”
– Workshop participant

Using a hands-on approach, Professors Mitchell and Pessoa guided students through several peer-review activities using excerpts from real essays and papers submitted by GU-Q students. This activity involved both individual and group analysis of different excerpts, focusing on various elements of effective argumentative writing.

One interesting activity involved a thorough analysis of pairs of similar phrases within the same context to determine the most effective claims. Students explained their reasoning and received insights from the professors on accurately identifying the attributes of a descriptive claim versus an argumentative claim. Special attention was given to sources and language as major elements influencing the reader’s understanding of the author’s position. The students also analyzed pairs of sample texts to identify common features within texts with effective claims. Professor Mitchell emphasized the importance of language choice, stating, “your choice in the type of language that you use is very important to bring the reader to your side without alienating them.”

The workshop explored engagement moves and interpersonal resources as tools of specific rhetorical effect, exemplified by commonly used discourse markers. Students learned to apply these tools in body paragraphs, analyzing interactions of the text with different sources to support the author’s claims or introduce alternative perspectives. The importance of engaging in a dialogue with existing sources was highlighted, with Professor Silvia stating, “Do not ignore them, rather bring them in and then challenge their ideas.” This emphasized the idea that writing is entering into a conversation with those who have written on the topic before, actively creating knowledge through the addition to the ongoing discourse.

“I think this workshop was very helpful. It established the fundamental framework for college writing. With the skills taught here, it is easier to handle college level assignments.”
– Workshop participant

A notable segment involved the analysis of two college students’ arguments on the social effects of urban planning in Qatar. This approach encouraged students to critically examine texts similar to their own, stressing the importance of a discerning eye during the revising and editing process. Small details, as revealed through this exercise, can significantly impact the clarity and structure of argumentative claims.

The CURA Research Skills Workshop not only equipped students with practical tools for effective argumentative writing but also fostered a collaborative and critical approach to peer-reviewed analysis. Through engaging activities and expert guidance, participants gained valuable insights into the art of crafting compelling and persuasive arguments. CIRS continues to provide opportunities for skill development, enhancing the research capabilities of the undergraduate student body.

Article by Dalva Raposo, CIRS Research Assistant

Qatar's Creative Culture: Fostering Development and Diplomacy
2024-02-20 18:00 - 19:00
This talk explores how Qatar is redefining the global cultural landscape, using its rich artistic heritage and innovative creative industries to forge new paths in diplomacy and spur national development. This talk unveils the strategies behind Qatar’s success in turning culture into a powerful tool for international engagement and sustainable growth.

Speaker: Nouf M. S. Al-Thani, J.D. (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Moderator: Trish Kahle (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Location: Faculty Conference Room (1D02), 1st Floor, Georgetown University in Qatar.

On Palestine: Hiwaraat Symposium
2024-03-07 13:00 - 18:00
“On Palestine” features leading Palestinian voices, and is moderated by prominent broadcaster and author Mehdi Hassan. The symposium is organized around three thematic areas: justice and accountability, global media narratives and the shaping of public opinion, and avoiding traps in imagining a political future.

Location: Al Mirqab Ballroom, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

About the Symposium

America's Game in the Middle East: The 2027 Qatar Basketball World Cup
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:00
After successfully hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar continues to retain sport as an important domestic and foreign policy tool. In April 2023, Qatar achieved another historical win by being selected as the first Arab nation to host the men’s basketball World Cup, a quintessentially American game, invented in the late nineteenth century in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the second most popular global sport after football.This panel discussion serves as the launching event for a new CIRS research project titled “America’s Game in the Middle East: The 2027 Qatar Basketball World Cup,” which studies U.S. and Middle East political and cultural engagements through the lens of basketball.

Location: Faculty Conference Room (1D02), Georgetown University in Qatar

Speakers: Claudia Kozman (Northwestern University in Qatar), Yaseen Ismail Musa (Former Professional Basketball Player and Head of the Qatar Basketball Federation), Joseph John (Al Jazeera English)

Moderator: Danyel Reiche (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Humanization through International Law? The Global South's Role in Accountability
2024-03-26 18:00 - 20:00
South Africa’s presentation of its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in January 2024 was a powerful assertion of humanity through law. Many have argued that international law is only as good as its enforcement. This talk engages in a discussion on such statements and on the role of Global South actors’ critical engagement in international law.

Speaker: Noha Aboueldahab (Georgetown University in Qatar) is an Assistant Professor of International Law at Georgetown University in Qatar, and a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. Her second forthcoming book examines the role of Arab diasporas in using international law and transitional justice to push for political change in their home states. Aboueldahab sits on the advisory boards of several organizations, and is regularly consulted by the media and policymakers on issues concerning law and politics in the Arab region.

Moderator: Nadya Sbaiti (Georgetown University in Qatar).

The Migrant Race: Intra-Asian Mobility, Co-ethnicity & Categorical Complexity
2024-04-17 13:00 - 14:00
Speaker: Laavanya Kathiravelu (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)

Moderator: Uday Chandra (Georgetown University in Qatar)

Location: CIRS Conference Room, Georgetown University in Qatar

This talk explored the comparative complexities faced by long-term and second generation immigrants in Singapore and Doha, and interrogated how Asian migration studies can contribute to complexifying enrich intersectional approaches to identity and belonging in the social sciences.

"Mothership" Documentary Screening and Discussion
2024-04-21 13:00 - 14:30
About the documentary: In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the crew of the Ocean Viking is rescuing people in exile fleeing Libya, crammed in unseaworthy boats. To ensure that people in distress are rescued in compliance with human rights and maritime law, a tug-of-war between authorities and humanitarian aid workers occurs.

Speakers: Fyras Mawazini and Sanad Hamdan, members of the Search and Rescue team on-board the ship Ocean Viking.

Location: Room 0A12, Georgetown University in Qatar

Party Politics, Voter Behavior, and Hot Topic Issues
2024-08-27 18:00 - 19:00
This panel discussion aims to address various topics such as the Republican Party’s internal conflicts, the evolution of the Democratic Party across generations, the potential opportunities and challenges in a president’s final term, the lasting impact of Trumpism, the significance of congressional voting districts and swing states, the priorities of voters, the electoral college system, the recurring issue of immigration, the current situation in Gaza, and how voter behavior in key states could affect the outcome of the 2024 election.

Panelists:

Clyde Wilcox, Georgetown University in QatarAmanda Garrett, Georgetown University in QatarPaul Musgrave, Georgetown University in Qatar

Moderator: Victoria Googasian, Georgetown University in Qatar

Reimagining Palestine - Hiwaraat Conference
2024-09-20 08:00 - 2024-09-22 19:00
“Reimagining Palestine” is the latest installment of Georgetown University in Qatar’s signature Hiwaraat conference series, which engages scholars, experts, and the public in timely and relevant dialogues on globally significant issues. Since its launch in September 2023, the series has curated conferences on topics such as Regional Reflections on the Invasion of Iraq, Global Histories and Practices of Islamophobia, Confronting the Impasse in Afghanistan, Water Security in the Gulf, How Energy Shapes our Everyday Lives, and Gender in Foreign Policy.

Some of the world’s leading academics and practitioners will gather for a thought-provoking exploration of such pressing, forward-looking questions as the future of Gaza and how to make it livable again, to pathways toward a viable Palestinian political future, and the regional implications of the current moment. This conference aims to advance academic discourse on Palestine, meaningfully engaging participants in dialogue that challenges the status quo and envisions new possibilities for justice and peace.

Doha’s strategic position at the crossroads of the Middle East offers a unique vantage point intimately connected to the region’s complex realities. By bringing together a diverse range of regional perspectives here, this will be a forum where history meets possibility, offering participants the opportunity to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of one of the most critical issues of our time.

Read More about the Concerence

CURA Spotlight with Dr. Muez Ali
2024-10-21 08:00 - 17:00
Speaker: Muez Ali Moderator: Leshamta Maina (Georgetown University in Qatar, Class of 2025)Location: CIRS Conference Room, Georgetown University in Qatar

On October 8th, 2024, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) hosted its first CURA Spotlight event of the semester. The event featured Dr. Muez Ali, Research and Policy Associate at Earthna, Qatar Foundation, and an Honorary Research Fellow at UCL’s Bartlett School. The event was hosted as part of the CIRS Undergraduate Research Advancement (CURA) Program and was opened by Operations Manager Elizabeth Wanucha, who introduced the moderator. The event, moderated by Leshamta Maina, a senior student at Georgetown University in Qatar, focused on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the role of civil society, and the challenges faced by emergency response rooms. Dr. Ali opened the discussion by challenging mainstream narratives, emphasizing that the war in Sudan is often misrepresented as a power struggle between two generals. He explained that this perspective overlooks the deeper issues at play, such as the rise of organized civil society movements in Sudan, particularly the “resistance committees”, which played a critical role in opposing military rule. The conversation further explored the October 2021 coup and its implications, including the resistance committees’ efforts to sustain community-based initiatives despite the coup’s suppression of civilian leadership. Dr. Ali highlighted the formation of “emergency response rooms”, local networks designed to provide essential support during the conflict. These community-driven initiatives, however, face significant challenges, such as limited funding and international misunderstanding of their role. Following Dr. Ali’s opening remarks, Leshamta and Dr. Ali had a moderated discussion on multiple facets of the conflict in Sudan. They discussed the international community’s response, particularly the role of foreign actors like the UAE, who have economic interests in Sudan’s natural resources, such as gold. Dr. Ali also addressed the displacement crisis, which has led to one of the largest internal displacement movements in recent history. He noted that while civil society has taken steps to provide shelter and aid, the response from international organizations has been limited in areas directly affected by conflict. The floor was then opened for the audience Q&A session, during which students raised questions about the African Union’s silence on the conflict, the potential for urban warfare in Khartoum, and the long-term sustainability of emergency response rooms, many of which rely heavily on diaspora support. Dr. Ali emphasized the need for skepticism towards mainstream media narratives and the importance of understanding the conflict from a Sudanese perspective. The session concluded with a call to critically examine the “forgotten status” of the Sudanese conflict and the role of the media in shaping global perceptions. Dr. Ali encouraged the audience to question established frameworks in social sciences and to remain critical of the narratives presented in mainstream media.

Article written by CIRS Research Assistant, Haala Qamar (Class of ’26)

Race and Gender in U.S. Political Participation
2024-10-22 13:00 - 14:00
With Dr. Jamil Scott, Georgetown University

CIRS Conference Room, 0A35

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Assessments, Implications, Prospects
2024-10-26 09:00 - 17:00
On October 26, 2024, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) hosted a one-day conference in collaboration with the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University titled “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Assessment, Implications, and Prospects.” This conference brought together leading international and regional experts to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its implications for the existing international order, and various global perspectives on the war.

The first panel, “Consequences of the War: Impact on Key International Players,” shed light on the Ukrainian, Russian, European, and American perspectives. The panelists argued that since the very beginning of its outbreak, this war has turned into an unprecedented humanitarian tragedy. From day one, Russia has been attacking civilian and energy infrastructure. And yet, nearly three years after the invasion started, the spirit of resistance in Ukraine remains strong, and rebuilding efforts have already begun. Meanwhile, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will have an immense impact on the security of Europe and the West. While saying this, the panelists emphasized the important role of NATO as the primary security force in Europe. However, they also acknowledge the existence of heavy resistance among its members against Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty.

Another important topic discussed during the first panel was related to the US foreign policy towards Ukraine, which has had a complicated evolution since Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. In the 1990s, Kyiv became the third largest recipient of aid from the US, which was largely provided to dismantle the Soviet-era nuclear infrastructure. Yet, in the first years of Ukraine’s independence, the US failed to offer security commitments, even though the Russian threat was omnipresent. Even in the 2000s, when Ukraine contributed forces to US-led military operations, reciprocal security commitments remained elusive. Following the 2022 invasion, it became increasingly clear that the Western powers had overestimated Russia’s military capabilities. Hence, the US strategic objectives focused on deterrence and weakening Russia. While the American politicians repeat the ‘Ukraine must win’ mantra, real US support for Ukraine has still been limited. Moreover, while in Russia’s view, the Western block of Ukraine supporters is led by the US, the US authorities, on the contrary, are trying to disengage from Europe. According to the conference panelist, since before the 2024 presidential elections, the US has been caught between its desire to pivot toward China (seeing the war in Ukraine as a destructing factor) and Europe’s demands for continued engagement (that was bringing the US back to the Ukraine support). The Trump victory in the 2024 Presidential election could be a turning point in the US approach to the conflict.

The first panel also paid attention to the analysis of Russia’s internal dynamics. The participants acknowledged that, despite the initial expectations, Russia’s economic growth in the war years was steady, allowing the Kremlin to fund its military operations in Ukraine. Over the last three years, Moscow succeeded in maintaining a semblance of normalcy, channeling investments into infrastructure and suppressing dissent domestically. However, as the war approaches its fourth year, the situation is becoming more challenging for the Kremlin. Sustaining public and elite support may prove challenging for Putin. Recently, the Kremlin even ramped up efforts to mobilize domestic society more directly. This shift raises questions about whether the general public and the elites will continue backing Putin’s strategy.

The following panel discussion, “Russia’s War in Ukraine and the impact on the Global South,” centered around understanding Central Asian, Chinese, African, and South American responses to the war in Ukraine. The Central Asian societies reacted immediately to support Ukraine, lending social support through public meetings and collecting humanitarian aid. Kazakhstan took an interesting position. Even though the country has a significant ethnic Russian population and has security and economic agreements with Russia, the Kazakh president met with Putin and declared that his country would never support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Other Central Asian countries took a more neutral stance to safeguard their interests, as some of these countries substantially rely on remittances from Russia.

According to the panelists, at the strategic level, China benefits greatly from the current global order as it favors China’s growing economic role. Historically, China’s foreign policy was independent and cautious, but that is starting to shift. While China’s Belt and Road initiative initially aligned with the existing global order, the Chinese approaches might evolve as Beijing seeks a greater role in the international arena. China and Russia share a vision that offers an alternative global order based on development-driven security. However, China’s alignment with Russia is proving to be a burden for Beijing rather than an opportunity, especially with North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Russia is ‘inserting’ itself into relations between Pyongyang and Beijing, disrupting the Chinese sphere of influence, which poses a threat to China.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn varied responses from Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Russia’s political emphasis on stability over democratization resonates with many African leaders. This has created favorable conditions for Russia in Africa in the short and medium term. However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain as emotional responses primarily drive current support. African nations generally maintain a desire to cooperate with all international parties.

South America’s response has been shaped by the region’s strong commitment to peace, though the overall response is largely fragmented. The prevalence of center-left governments has led to some reluctance to fully align with the US global agenda (i.e., to support Ukraine). However, this does not necessarily translate to support for Russia. The region’s approach to the war is shaped by its opposition to territorial integrity violations, unilateral sanctions (viewed as harming populations rather than states), transfer of weapons, and military involvement.

The third and final panel was titled “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine from the Middle Eastern and Gulf Perspective(s).” The conflict has amplified pre-existing regional trends, with Arab states viewing it as an opportunity to expand their relations with various global powers. This stance is also hard to call pro-Russian. While the Arab League has maintained a neutral position in this war, individual Arab states have consistently voted against Russia in United Nations resolutions. Notably, the Arab states have managed to insulate their bilateral relationships with the US and Russia, ensuring the conflict did not damage their ties with either, allowing them to benefit from their position within the emerging shadow order. However, the conflict has also exposed significant socio-economic vulnerabilities in the region, particularly regarding food security. Interestingly, this war has allowed countries in the Middle East to assume a mediating role in Europe, marking a significant shift in the global order. However, military alignment with the US continues to impose certain limitations on their approach.

The conflict has accelerated Gulf states’ pre-existing moves toward economic self-reliance and diversification. The Gulf states have substantially increased their exports to the European Union, especially in oil, food, and various other products, while maintaining and even growing their hydrocarbon trade relationships with Russia post-2022. The region has emerged as a key intermediary in global trade flows, with some European countries routing their Russian trade through intermediaries.

The normative impact of the war has been particularly significant in the Arab world. While the US framed the Ukraine conflict as a litmus test for the Western global order, Middle Eastern countries viewed it more as a European regional security issue. As the events in Ukraine and Gaza unfold simultaneously, many in the region view this as international double standards in responding to similar situations. Principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity have been the basis for condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the same standards are not applied to Israel as it continues to expand its illegal settlements and kill Palestinian civilians. Hence, the region’s neutrality in Russia’s war on Ukraine highlights a broader desire to shift away from a Western and Euro-centric global power structure.

Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine has become the catalyst for a qualitative change of tone in the Russian-Iranian dialogue, bringing the two states closer together. This step-change in Russian-Iranian relations was not solely prompted by the war in Ukraine. Various factors prepared the ground for this change, including Russia’s unprecedentedly high level of confrontation with the West, the pressure of sanctions on both the Russian and Iranian economies, Putin’s ‘turn to the east’ strategy, the dim prospects of the JCPOA, the rise of conservatives in Iran, and the growing chemistry between the power circles of the two countries. The war in Ukraine has forced Russia into a position of dependence on Iran for arms. This puts Tehran on a more equal footing in their relationship, and nudges the bilateral dialogue closer to becoming an axis than before. However, the long-term ‘durability’ of this change is still in question due to a considerable number of issues that the two countries need to settle.

Considering Turkey’s geo-strategic location, it has emerged as a critical actor. While it has condemned Russian aggression and deepened military cooperation with Ukraine even during the time of the conflict, it continues to maintain ties with Russia in other areas, which puts stress on its relations with Western partners.

When addressing the issue of the end-game scenario in Ukraine, there was an emerging consensus among the panelists that a purely military victory for Ukraine may be unrealistic. The focus has shifted toward leveraging diplomatic tools, including discussions of Ukraine joining NATO and negotiations over long-range weapons. Though this war is situated in Europe, it has had global consequences. From a security perspective, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has revealed that the post-Cold War security order is collapsing. This transition to a new security order, one that is more multipolar, is marked by the US’s declining unilateral hegemony and a change in Europe’s role in the world.

To watch full panel videos please visit our YouTube channel

Learn About The Conference

Article written by CIRS Research Assistant

Book Talk with Professor Trish Kahle
2024-11-04 17:30 - 19:00
How much risk—whether bodily, environmental, economic, or political—is acceptable in a democratic energy system? And, just as importantly, who should bear that risk? What do energy producers and energy consumers owe to each other and how did we come to see these obligations as legitimate? Who constitutes the proper community of interest in energy decision-making? How should we evaluate the fairness of their energy system? Can energy systems ever really be democratic for all the people who are part of it? These questions have a long history. Indeed, they were at the core of energy policy-making in the modern United States which was about not only managing fuels but also negotiating the relationship between coal miners and the rest of the country, which depended on the electric power and steel produced with the coal they mined. Energy governance cuts to the heart of persistent questions about justice, democracy, and equality.

The conversation considered the uncertain relationship between coal and democracy in US history as miners’ democratic aspirations confronted the deadly record of the country’s coal mines. Miners and their communities bore the burdens of energy production while reaping far fewer of the benefits of energy consumption. But they insisted that death in the mines, far from being inevitable, was a political choice. As coal miners’ struggled to democratize the workplace, secure civil and social rights, and obtain restitution for the human toll of progress, they reshaped U.S. laws, regulatory administrations, and political imaginaries.

Speakers:Trish Kahle, Georgetown University in QatarFirat Oruc, Georgetown University in QatarVictoria Googasian, Georgetown University in Qatar

Moderator: Zahra Babar, Executive Director – CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

CIRS Lunch Talk: Darfur's Role in Sudan's Ongoing Power Struggle
2024-11-19 13:00 - 14:00
On November 19, 2024, the CIRS Lunch Talk dove into “Darfur’s Role in Sudan’s Ongoing Power Struggle” with Dr. Hamid E. Ali, a Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, and Professor Rogaia Abusharaf, Professor of Anthropology at Georgetown University in Qatar. Professor Ali pushed back against the common belief that Darfur’s conflicts are separate from Sudan’s bigger problems. Instead, he highlighted how Darfur is actually at the heart of Sudan’s identity and political struggles. When discussing Sudan’s difficult history, which includes 17 coups since the country became independent, he criticized how political leaders have misused democracy, treating it just as a way to grab power while ignoring the real changes needed in education, the economy, and society. Professor Ali explained that the current problems with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) aren’t just random events but are connected to these deeper issues in Sudan’s political system. He was especially critical of looking to Western countries for solutions, saying this approach hasn’t worked and isn’t the right path forward. Instead, he pointed to Sudan’s younger generation as a source of real hope, noting how young people are trying to move beyond the old divisions based on tribes and colonial history that have held the country back. While there are voices on social media that talk about the separation of Darfur from Sudan, this is not a majority opinion. Professor Ali stressed that Darfur needs to be properly included as part of Sudan, not pushed away or treated as less important. The discussion also looked at how past colonial rule and outside interference have affected Sudan, suggesting that these influences have often made things worse rather than better. Professor Ali called for a new kind of leadership that puts the country’s needs before personal gain, along with major improvements in education. He said Sudan needs to build a new vision for itself that brings people together instead of dividing them based on where they’re from or what group they belong to. To achieve real peace and development, he argued, Sudan needs to find solutions that come from its own people and communities, with Darfur playing a key role in this process. Professor Ali ended with a message of cautious hope, suggesting that while Sudan faces serious challenges, there’s a path forward if the country can work together and make the deep changes needed, rather than just dealing with surface-level problems. This change needs to start from within Sudan itself, with all regions and communities, including Darfur, working together to build a better future.

Speaker: Hamid E. Ali is a Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) and served as the Dean of the School of Economics, Administration, and Public Policy from 2020 to 2023. He also held a research position at the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), where he substantially contributed to several reports for US congressional committees. He has been a distinguished invitee at forums hosted by the US Institute for Peace, the US State Department, and Chatham House. Ali has teaching experience from institutions like Texas State University and Southern Methodist University. He is a member of the Task Force of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)/ IASIA and the IASIA Board of Management. He previously served as the President of the Association of Middle Eastern Public Policy and Administration. Currently, he is the Chair of the International Commission on the Accreditation of Public Administration and Training Programs (ICAPA) and is an active member of the NASPAA Diversity and Social Equality Committee. Additionally, Hamid participates in the College Board and the Public Policy Leaders’ group for the International Public Policy Association (IPPA). He published in international journals including Public Administration Review, Peace Research, Food Policy, Defence and Peace Economics

Moderator: Rogaia Abusharaf, Georgetown University in Qatar

Article written by CIRS Research Assistant, Haala Qamar (Class of ’26)

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Assessments, Implications, Prospects - Roundtable Discussion
2024-11-21 08:00 - 17:00
On October 25, 2024, the Center for International and Regional Studies at Georgetown University in Qatar hosted a closed-door roundtable discussion to examine the Russian invasion of Ukraine and discuss how it has not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape in Europe but also the repercussions it has had across many regions. The event brought together experts from multiple disciplines to analyze the ongoing situation and its global implications and tried to lay the groundwork for future discussions and partnerships aimed at addressing complex geopolitical challenges. The discussion was structured around three fundamental questions: the war’s impact on Western powers (both direct and indirect), its implications for non-Western players, and the most practical endgame scenarios.

The discussion was divided into three sessions with the first session looking at the Impact of Three Years of Conflict on Key Players and Alliances. During the conversation it was highlighted that the conflict has led to a reevaluation of strategic partnerships, debunking the myth of Russia as an anti-colonialist ally. There is growing recognition of Chinese undercurrents and its gains from the situation, alongside evolving mediation efforts. Prior to 2022, mediation centered around US-EU dynamics, but the Middle Eastern nations have shown success in targeted mediation efforts post-2022. the increased threats to European security were also highlighted, with an alarming number of Europeans still conflating Ukraine with Russia. The need for clear strategic objectives was stressed, recognizing that neutrality would not resolve current challenges. Significant internal changes were observed in Russia, leading to a more consolidated regime that has become resilient against external pressures. Bureaucratic replacements have strengthened the central authority over traditional elites. Discussion included the historical trajectory of US-Ukraine relations, transitioning from minimal involvement to recognizing the conflict as a vital concern. Despite Russia’s framing of its actions as resistance to American interests, the US continues to focus strategically on its competition with China. Complexities involving territorial and security concerns complicate potential resolutions. Participants explored the roles of nuclear deterrence, sanctions, and engagement with the Global South, emphasizing varied international mediation strategies. The need to understand historical contexts in planning future security arrangements was reiterated, alongside discussions of required victory conditions and implications for global order.

The second session, Assessing the War’s Impact on Global South International Relations, addressed the perspectives from various regions, including the Middle East, Central Asia, and China. The decline of Western influence was acknowledged, with China strategically moving to fill vacuums left in global governance. It aims to cease hostilities without direct involvement, despite its EU trade relations. Central Asian countries are balancing relations while heavily dependent on Russian infrastructure, leading to an identity crisis among youth. For example, nations like Kazakhstan have expressed support for Ukraine while dealing with economic ties with Russia. Arab nations approach the conflict cautiously, weighing the risks and opportunities it presents while maintaining diplomatic relations with the US. Their responses vary across international forums, influenced by potential food security and oil trade implications. Iran’s foreign policy reflects a “look East” strategy, emphasizing strong neighborly relations and resilience against Western sanctions. Its complex relationship with Russia is economic and strategic, favoring independence in its foreign relations.

The last session, End Game Scenarios, tried to bring the conversations from the first two panels together and examine potential ways forward to end the conflict. It was discussed that the future trajectory of the war remains contingent on various factors, with both Russia and Ukraine committed to continuing the conflict. Analysts presented three main policy options for external powers: facilitate a peace settlement favoring Ukraine, achieve a cessation of hostilities, or continue supporting Ukraine indefinitely. Each choice carries significant risks, particularly regarding potential escalation or instability in Ukraine. Western powers are urged to pursue the first option, aligning closely with Ukrainian objectives while ensuring robust military and economic support. The discussion highlighted the potential for a long-term stalemate, with time not favoring Ukraine. The US’s engagement and coherence in strategy are deemed critical for Ukraine’s eventual success, with calls for a reinvigorated assessment of NATO’s posture against Russian threats. It was highligthed that the current dynamics could lead to a prolonged conflict, with Russia’s perceived victories potentially becoming a strategic liability for the West. The need for a decisive shift in international strategies toward Russia was emphasized, highlighting the crucial upcoming years in determining the global order and European security landscape.

In conclusion, these sessions collectively showcased the multifaceted nature of the conflict and its broad geopolitical ramifications, illustrating the complexities faced by global powers and regional actors involved.

Article written by Misba Bhatti, Research Analyst, CIRS

Writings from the Pitch: Qatar's Perspectives on Football, Identity, and Global Influence
2024-11-24 08:00 - 17:00
This panel discussion is hosted in collaboration with the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum Library.

Moderator: Gerd Nonneman, GU-Q

Speakers:

Danyel Reiche, GU-QAisha Al-Kuwari

Register
