Center for International and Regional Studies

The Environmental Drivers of Out-Migration in Bangladesh
2023-10-29 17:00 - 18:00 (Asia/Qatar) | Education City, Al Luqta St, Ar-Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
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

America’s Game in the Middle East: The 2027 Qatar World Cup | Roundtable Meeting I
2024-12-04 08:00 - 17:00
On November 10 and 11, 2024, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) held the first research workshop under its research initiative, America’s Game in the Middle East: The 2027 Qatar World Cup. The purpose of the two-day meeting was to discuss and provide feedback on a collection of drafts submitted for the project. Scholars, practitioners, and experts working on the topic of basketball in the region were convened for the meeting from around the globe. The topics discussed included the development of the game in Lebanon, Turkey, and Egypt, the hosting of the 2027 men’s World Cup in Qatar, Saudi Arabia’s interest in developing the game, China’s sponsorship, the use of social media, and female basketball players, among others.

The discussion started with a look at Turkey’s long history of basketball with a focus on Karamürsel. Onur Yildirim explored the social and cultural impact of the American military presence in Karamürsel, Turkey, during the Cold War era (1950s-1970s), focusing on basketball as a medium of cultural exchange. He discussed that Karamürsel an American military airbase, the Karamürsel Airbase, established in 1957, which served as a gateway for introducing American culture to the town. Basketball emerged as a significant avenue for cultural interaction between Americans and locals, with American personnel from the base participating in the local sports club, Karamürsel Gençlik. From 1969 to 1979, American volunteers played alongside local players, helping the team win regional championships and popularizing basketball among the town’s youth. The departure of American personnel following the transfer of the base to the Turkish military led to changes in the town’s cultural landscape, but the influence of basketball and American culture persisted. Yildirim will use interviews with local and American basketball players and community members to analyze how basketball facilitated cultural exchange between the American base and the local community. The final paper will aim to explore the broader social and cultural implications of the Cold War era in Karamürsel, highlighting how activities like basketball fostered cross-cultural interaction and understanding in the context of global geopolitics.

The next session examined the historical origins and development of basketball in Lebanon. Nadim El Kak expressed that the Middle East is increasingly investing in sports, with basketball gaining prominence. Lebanon stands out as one of only six countries worldwide where basketball is arguably the most popular sport. He provided a historical timeline of basketball’s development in the country from the 1920s to the late 1990s. He highlighted that the recently established FIBA and NBA outreach programs, and international recruitment of Lebanese basketball professionals, hint at the emergence of a new golden generation. He also argued that basketball in Lebanon serves as a catalyst for cross-confessional solidarity, community building, national pride, job creation, and youth role model as well as a stage for political co-optation, sectarian tensions, exclusionary discourses, weak governance, and uncompetitive business practices. Using archival resources and original interviews, he aims to look at lessons and challenges from the Lebanese experience as the Gulf region increases its investments in basketball.

Next Can Evren argued that the recent developments in sports economics, such as Qatar hosting FIFA and FIBA World Cups and the potential EuroLeague expansion to Dubai, challenge traditional conceptual frameworks of global sports history. These developments cross established continental and regional boundaries in sports, which were formalized by world sports federations like FIFA and FIBA in the early 1960s. His work aims to reassess the sport’s history through a contractual lens, focusing on the more flexible, event-based contracts of the early postwar period. Istanbul’s basketball scene in the early postwar era serves as a case study for alternative original stories that don’t align with current continental divisions in sports. Istanbul hosted international basketball tournaments in the early 1950s, featuring teams from diverse regions. The Mediterranean Games are presented as a surviving remnant of this early trans-regional sports history. He argued that it is important to uncover these early trans-regional histories and develop new conceptual frameworks for sports historiography. This historical perspective is deemed crucial for informing public debate on current challenges in sports as commercial economies and popular cultures undergo new waves of trans-regional expansion.

Discussing Lebanese female basketball players, Assile Toufaily narrated that Lebanese basketball has become a prominent force in Middle Eastern basketball, with significant growth since Antoine Choueiri’s investment. The men’s national team has competed in multiple FIBA World Cups, and clubs like Al Riyadi and Sagesse have won multiple Asian Cup titles. The women’s national team ranks among the top ten in Asia, with some players receiving professional contracts abroad. However, female athletes in the region face numerous obstacles in pursuing professional sports careers, often leading to early retirement. She aims to provide insight into the development of women’s basketball in Lebanon and examine factors contributing to its growth. Her work will focus on how women’s basketball developed in Lebanon, what factors contributed to its rise, and the role of the American college basketball system in this development. Toufaily aims to explore the connection between Lebanese American players in the US college system and the development of the Lebanese women’s national team.

Addressing the role of social media and the rise of female basketball, Nida Ahmad added that the overall women’s participation in sports in the MENA region has grown over the last two decades. Social media has become an important tool for sportswomen in the MENA region to share their experiences and increase visibility. The growth of women’s basketball globally and the WNBA’s expansion into Toronto, Canada, illustrate the increasing popularity and globalization of women’s sports. She aims to explore the progress of women’s basketball in the MENA region by examining how women basketball players such as professional players like Soraya Mohamed, known as “Queen of the People,” are represented on social media platforms. Her research seeks to explore the intersection of social media, women’s basketball, and sports participation in the MENA region, reflecting the growing importance of both women’s sports and digital platforms in shaping athletic landscapes globally and regionally.

Shifting the focus to traditional media and the journalistic role in the coverage of sporting events, Claudia Kozman argued that there is a strong interdependence between sports organizations and media, with each reinforcing the other's popularity and profitability. She highlighted that media played six journalistic roles, including loyal-facilitator, watchdog, and infotainment in sports journalism. While historically seen as “cheerleaders,” recent research shows sports journalists also acting as watchdogs and providing infotainment. Her paper will examine the relationship between journalistic roles and sources in the coverage of Qatar’s preparations to host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Using comparative quantitative content analysis of Qatari and international media, the study will measure the relationship between journalistic role performance and sourcing relying on a media systems approach. This work would expand understanding of journalistic cultures in sports coverage and how professional role performance in covering a major sports event varies across countries. It will also aim to provide insights into how different media outlets and cultures approach sports journalism, particularly in the context of a significant international event like the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Danyel Reiche then explored the key elements of Qatar’s investment in Monumental. In July 2023, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) became a minority investor in Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), a Washington D.C.-based sports and venue management company. QIA reportedly bought a 5% stake in MSE for approximately $200 million. This investment was made possible by an NBA rule change in late 2022 that allowed sovereign wealth funds to buy up to 20% stakes in franchises. QIA became the first national sovereign wealth fund to invest in American basketball. The investment received critical reactions in local D.C. media, with concerns raised about ethics and sportswashing. Some critics argued that Qatar’s involvement in U.S. sports could be seen as complicity in funding terrorism, given Qatar’s alleged support for Hamas. Reiche’s works aim to examine the QIA-MSE deal in the context of academic literature on sportswashing, considering perspectives from QIA, MSE, NBA, and WNBA. He will explore the motives of different stakeholders involved in this investment and relate them to theoretical discussions on sportswashing.

In the next session, Jung Woo Lee discussed how basketball is increasingly influenced by non-Western stakeholders, particularly Chinese corporations. The 2027 FIBA World Cup in Doha presents a unique situation where it provides an opportunity for FIBA’s Chinese sponsors to strengthen their presence in the Arab world. It also potentially creates a point of collision for American and Chinese geoeconomic interests in the Middle East. China’s involvement in FIBA sponsorship is seen as a political choice to diversify its public diplomacy networks and showcase its ambitions in the global sports industry. Qatar and China have existing cooperative relationships, including within the Belt and Road Initiative and financial sector collaborations. The event occurs in a context of shifting power balances in the Middle East, with the US and China competing for strategic and economic hegemony in the Arab world. Gulf states like Qatar are leveraging their position to safeguard national interests amidst this geopolitical struggle. The 2027 FIBA World Cup in Doha represents a complex interplay of diplomacy, involving the spread of an American cultural product, financed largely by Chinese capital, to a Qatari audience. Lee’s work aims to examine the nuanced sports diplomacy involving Qatar’s relationships with both China and the US in the context of this basketball tournament.

Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff discussed in the next session basketball’s role in diplomacy and global development, with a particular focus on its potential impact in the Middle East. She highlighted that basketball can be utilized as a tool for globalization and addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly at the intersection of gender, race, ethnicity, and migration. The establishment of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) is an example of basketball’s potential beyond sports. The upcoming 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Qatar is a focal point for exploring basketball diplomacy in the Middle East. Using interviews with FIBA officials and members of Middle Eastern sporting and diplomatic communities, her paper, co-authored with J Simon Rofe, will highlight the sport’s global appeal and its capacity to engage with local contexts and actors, potentially offering a more authentic form of sports diplomacy compared to other initiatives in the region.

Sebastian Sons highlighted that Saudi Arabia is using sports investments as a significant part of its economic diversification strategy, which includes job creation efforts, and fostering international business and political relationships. Sports serve as a driver for economic modernization, social liberalization, and national identity construction in Saudi Arabia during this transitional period. While previous academic discussions focused on football, Formula 1, and golf, basketball has emerged as another important pillar in Saudi Arabia’s sports engagement strategy. The Saudi government is investing in domestic basketball infrastructure, training facilities, and educational programs, particularly targeting youth and female participation. Internationally, the Saudi sovereign wealth funds Public Investment Fund (PIF) is becoming a global player in sports business, with plans to enter the US market and potentially the NBA. Saudi Arabia is hosting various sports mega-events (SMEs) and may consider organizing basketball tournaments as part of its future sports policy. Sons argued that basketball serves multiple purposes for Saudi Arabia, including, national identity construction, nation branding, power consolidation, and sports diplomacy. His paper will aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of Saudi Arabia’s basketball policies and future plans, contributing to the broader discussion on the kingdom’s sports strategy.

Addressing the Jr. NBA tournament hosted in Doha, Morgan Fisher and Amy Walker highlighted that youth participation in organized sports has positive effects on physical and mental health, academic performance, and social skills. The Jr. NBA Leagues, a collaborative initiative between the NBA and WNBA, was created in 2022 to provide American youth access to basketball. In 2022, the Jr. NBA Leagues expanded to Abu Dhabi, UAE, and in April 2024, it launched in Qatar, hosted by the Qatar Foundation. Their study aims to understand the perceptions of parents and coaches as adult stakeholders in the inaugural season of the Jr. NBA League in Qatar. With a focus on how the expansion of the Jr. NBA Leagues in Qatar has influenced youth growth and development and the perceptions of adult stakeholders, the study will use snowball sampling to identify participants and employ coding and hermeneutics-based interpretation for analysis. Their work aims to fill a gap in understanding the impact of the Jr. NBA Leagues’ expansion in the Middle East, specifically in Qatar, from the perspective of adult stakeholders.

Focusing on the game’s popularity and Qatar’s potential to host the 2027 World Cup, Nadim Nassif outlined that Qatar has emerged as a global powerhouse in hosting major sports events, with its capital, Doha, consistently listed in the Ranking of Sports Cities since 2012. Following the successful organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Doha achieved its highest position to date, ranking 11th in 2023. This rise in prominence aligns with Qatar’s strategic objectives to strengthen its soft power, enhance foreign diplomacy, and improve national security. As part of this strategy, Qatar will become the first Arab country to host the men’s FIBA World Cup in 2027. The research aims to measure the global popularity of basketball and evaluate how hosting this event will impact Qatar’s international exposure and geopolitical positioning. To achieve this, the study will utilize the World Ranking of Countries in Elite Sport (WRCES), which assesses sports popularity through a complex methodology that considers global media presence, with consideration to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coefficient of each country. By identifying sports featured on major websites in the respective country, and scoring their prominence, the WRCES will provide a comprehensive analysis of basketball’s global media popularity and how the upcoming World Cup could further enhance Qatar’s role in international sports diplomacy.

Craig LaMay discussed the NBA’s expanding ambitions in the Middle East, highlighting its significant potential in the region and Europe, which is estimated to be worth up to $3 billion annually. The league has established partnerships with FIBA and EuroLeague, and developed relationships with the UAE and Qatar. The NBA accounts for 91% of basketball’s global value, primarily from domestic media rights, and will see the 2027 FIBA World Championships in Qatar as a test of the region’s potential in the sport’s growth. Additionally, the NBA has a multifaceted deal with Abu Dhabi that includes pre-season games, junior leagues, and promotional events. The league has allowed investments from sovereign wealth funds, leading to the Qatar Investment Authority acquiring a stake in the Washington Wizards’ ownership group. However, challenges remain, including providing Arabic content, adapting to local time zones, developing regional gameplay, and navigating human rights concerns. LaMay’s paper aims to examine the future of professional basketball in the Middle East, considering the ambitions of the NBA and Gulf states, as well as cooperation with FIBA and EuroLeague.

The last session focused on Egypt and the development of basketball in the country. Ashraf Elmidani, Kamilla Swart and Gerard Akindes outlined that since 1974, Egypt has won thirteen out of twenty-four Arab Basketball Championship titles and secured five AfroBasket championships, also finishing second and third multiple times. As the most populous Middle Eastern nation, Egypt has been a pioneering sports country, being the first in the region to participate in major international competitions like the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, and FIBA World Championship. Egypt was instrumental in establishing FIBA Afrique (originally AFABA), playing a leading role in African sports confederations. Their work aims to explore Egypt’s basketball history through secondary data and interviews, examining its leadership in establishing continental basketball organizations, its consistent performance in regional competitions, and its position in the contemporary, globalized basketball landscape, including the emergence of the Basketball Africa League and increasing NBA influence in Africa and the Middle East.

For the roundtable agenda, click here.

For the participants’ biographies, click here.

For the research initiative, click here.

Participants and Discussants:

Nida Ahmad, Independent researcher and Consultant

Gerard A. Akindes

Zahra Babar, CIRS – Georgetown University in Qatar

Misba Bhatti, CIRS – Georgetown University in Qatar

Nadim El Kak, American University of Beirut

Ashraf ELmidani,

Can Evren, Boston University

Morgan D. Fisher, Georgetown University in Qatar

Noor Hussain, CIRS – Georgetown University in Qatar

Claudia Kozman, Northwestern University in Qatar

Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, New York University

Craig LaMay, Northwestern University

Jung Woo Lee, University of Edinburgh

Nadim Nassif, Notre Dame University

Danyel Reiche, CIRS – Georgetown University in Qatar

Sebastian Sons, Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient (CARPO)

Kamilla Swart, Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Assile Toufaily, PhD candidate

Amy S. Walker, Georgetown University in Qatar

Elizabeth Wanucha, CIRS – Georgetown University in Qatar

Onur Yildirim, Middle East Technical University in Ankara

Article by Misba Bhatti, Research Analyst at CIRS

The State of the Game: Women's Basketball in the Middle East
2024-12-10 08:00 - 17:00
A discussion on the development of women’s basketball in the Middle East. Basketball is widely considered to be an ‘American Game’, all while increasingly becoming one of the most watched and played sports in the world, including the Middle East. The International Basketball Federation, FIBA, announced on April 28, 2023, that Qatar has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2027 men’s FIBA Basketball World Cup.

In this panel, the speakers discussed the state of women’s basketball in the Middle East; in particular, how Lebanese women’s basketball may lean on the US college basketball system to develop, and why the Middle East is ripe for basketball diplomacy.

Speakers:Assile Toufaily is a third-year PhD student working on a thesis titled “The Socialization of Women’s Football: A Comparative Study between Lebanon and France.” Her research provides an innovative analysis of the sociocultural influences on the careers of female football players in two distinct settings—one with a professional sports infrastructure and the other where the sport remains underdeveloped.

Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff is a Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University’s Tisch Institute for Global Sport and sports diplomacy expert specializing in Franco-American relations and basketball. Author of “Basketball Empire: France and the Making of a Global NBA and WNBA” (Bloomsbury, 2023) and “The Making of Les Bleus: Sport in France, 1958-2010”, (Lexington Books, 2013), her work has appeared with TIME, CNN International, The Athletic, and The New Yorker. Director of FranceAndUS and former co-director of the “Basketball Diplomacy in Africa” project (SOAS University of London), she is a veteran of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Historian.

Moderator: Danyel Reiche, Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) and a Visiting Associate Professor at Georgetown University Qatar

Connect and Converse with Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International
2025-01-22 08:00 - 17:00
At this talk, students learned about critical issues surrounding advocacy, freedom of speech, and human rights with with Dr. Agnès Callamard, a distinguished figure in the realm of human rights advocacy and the Secretary General at Amnesty International. This was a unique opportunity to learn from Dr. Callamard’s extensive experience and to engage in meaningful dialogue about her/the organization’s work.

Biography: Dr. Agnès Callamard is Secretary General at Amnesty International. She leads the organization’s human rights work and is its chief spokesperson. She is responsible for providing overall leadership of the International Secretariat, including setting the strategic direction for the organization and managing relations with Amnesty International’s national entities. Agnès has been a prominent figure in the human rights world for decades. In 2016, she was appointed as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary killings. Along with her UN work, Agnès was also the Director of Global Freedom of Expression at Columbia University in New York. Previously, she was Executive Director of the freedom of expression organization Article 19. She returns to Amnesty after twenty years having previously held the role of Chef de Cabinet for then Secretary General Pierre Sané. As a leading advocate for freedom of expression, a feminist, and an anti-racism activist, she pushes out the frontiers of rights through her scholarship and advocacy.

Lilian Estafanous on "Copts in North America: Diaspora Politics, Generational Dynamics, and Digital Advocacy"
2025-02-04 08:00 - 17:00
Lilian Estafanous is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar. She has also served as a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University. Lilian earned her first PhD in International Relations from Cairo University in 2016 and her second PhD in Comparative Politics from Queen’s University in Canada in 2024. Her recent doctoral research focuses on diaspora studies, the mobilization of ethnic and religious minorities, and social movement studies. Currently, her work examines the digital mobilization of first- and second-generation Copts in North America. Lilian has received numerous academic awards and fellowships, including the Queen’s Graduate Award (QGA), Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Graduate Dean’s Doctoral Field Travel Grant, ASMEA Research Grant, R.S. McLaughlin Fellowship, Robert Sutherland Fellowship, and Senator Frank Carrel Fellowship.

Diplomatic Roundtable
2025-03-19 15:00 - 17:00
Moderated by Noha Aboueldahab, Assistant Professor of International Law, GU-Q

Ralph Wilde, Professor of International Law, University College London, discussed the legal obligations of “third states”—comprising all states, except Israel and Palestine, in this particular context—to end Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), which includes the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip. Wilde discussed several ways in which third states can engage in joint responsibilities as a response to Israel’s violations of international law. He explained the international rights and obligations incumbent upon all states to bring Israel to account for its transgressions, stating that Israel’s presence in the OPT is, in and of itself, illegal as a violation of the international law of self-determination and the international law on the use of force. He pointed to Israel’s “existential” illegality, noting that the very existence of Israel’s presence is illegal, as well as Israel’s “conduct-based” illegality in the OPT, which includes maintaining and expanding settlements, perpetrating racial discrimination and apartheid, among other abuses, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Wilde concluded by noting that “third states” must change their relationship to Israel through non-engagement, including no diplomatic dealings, no economic relationships or trade deals, and no engagement on any activities that entrench Israel’s presence in the OPT. States must therefore institute a complete and comprehensive embargo against Israel on all fronts, including arms, technology, finance, education, culture, and sports, among other sectors. All third states have a legal right to invoke the illegal nature of Israel’s presence, and to call upon Israel to bring it to an immediate end.

Ralph Wilde is a legal academic and also acts as counsel and advocate on international law to states, international organizations and NGOs. His academic work has covered, amongst other subjects, the extraterritorial application of human rights law, international territorial administration and the concept of trusteeship over people in international law, and international law as it relates to Palestine and the Palestinian people. In his practice, he served as Senior Counsel and Advocate of the 22 States of the Arab League in the ICJ Palestine Advisory Opinion proceedings, and the ongoing consideration of the Situation in the State of Palestine by the ICC, where he also represented the Palestine Independent Commission on Human Rights. He is also currently acting as Senior Counsel to the Gaza-based Palestine Center for Human Rights NGO, responsible for their written submission that will form part of the memorial (written submission) of South Africa in the South Africa v. Israel case concerning the Genocide Convention before the ICJ.

Khalid Albaih: Sudan in Ink: Politics, Protest, and Art
2025-04-10 17:30 - 18:30
During this CIRS dialogue, Khalid Albaih (the 2025 GUQ Artist-in-Residence) was in conversation with Suzi Mirgani, contextualizing the history of Sudanese art through times of conflict. At the Georgetown University in Qatar campus, CIRS installed two exhibitions of Khalid’s artwork. An exhibition of Khalid’s political cartoons on Sudan was curated by Larissa-Diana Fuhrmann, and another exhibition on Khalid’s political cartoons depicting international affairs was curated by GUQ students Noon Elsharif and Ayah Ahmed.

Khalid Albaih is a Sudanese independent political cartoonist renowned for his incisive human rights advocacy, shared globally under the name “Khartoon.” His cartoons have been exhibited worldwide, and his writings have appeared in major international publications. Albaih was the central figure in The Guardian’s short documentary *The Story of Civil Rights is Unfinished* (2016) and has published two influential books: Khartoon! and Sudan Retold, an art book he co-edited, featuring contributions from 31 Sudanese artists documenting Sudan’s rich history. His work extends beyond drawing, with installations like Bahar, a poignant video piece using found footage of refugees at sea; The Walls Have Ears (Documenta 15), and Shahid (Mathaf, Qatar, 2024), Season of Immigration to the North (Brescia Musei, Italy, 2024), all exploring themes of displacement and social justice. In 2024, he broadened his influence by hosting Alhasil Shino? on AJ+. Albaih is also the editor-in-chief of KhartoonMag.com, a platform for displaced Sudanese cartoonists, and creator of the award-winning Doha Fashion Fridays, which amplifies marginalized voices. Albaih remains a vital force in art activism, championing global social justice and freedom of expression.

Khalid is a participant in the CIRS Sudan Research Project.

(Re)Collecting Sudan: Art and Culture Archives Workshop I
2025-04-30 08:00 - 17:00
On April 11-12, 2025, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) held the first research workshop under its research initiative on Sudan. The workshop titled “(Re)Collecting Sudan: Art and Culture Archives” examined the intersection of cultural expression and conflict, conducting a broad and in-depth survey of art and culture archives in all their forms. The purpose of the two-day meeting was to discuss and provide feedback on a collection of draft proposals submitted for the project.

The discussion started with a look at “Accidental Archiving,” which was a key topic examining how Sudanese artistic practices inadvertently created valuable archives during conflict. Reem Aljeally and Katarzyna Grabska reflected on their collaborative efforts to document Sudanese art using informal digital tools like social media, workshops, and project websites. These spontaneous archives, forged out of necessity amid war, become vital repositories of memory and collective experience. The discussion emphasized challenges around archive ownership, purpose, and accessibility during crises when traditional archiving is disrupted, highlighting the profound role of improvisation in cultural preservation.

Suha Hasan’s session explored how fragmented archives sustain collective memory, despite upheaval and destruction. Focusing on archives dispersed across multiple countries near the Nile Confluence, she portrayed archives as dynamic, interlinked spaces enabling continuous reinterpretation of Sudan’s history and identity. She highlighted the archives’ non-neutrality, shaped by institutional and cultural norms, and described how seemingly small artifacts, like postcards, unlock broader narratives about Sudanese architectural heritage and debates over cultural repatriation.

Next, Eiman Hussein and Erica Carter’s project (co-authored with Talal Afifi) is a collective auto-ethnographic study of Sudanese artist Hussein Shariffe’s archives. Their research illuminates how archival encounters foster dialogue and meaning-making during cultural crises. Through recorded conversations and thematic analysis, they explored how proximity and distance influence archiving processes and storytelling. This work underscores archives as relational sites that enable collaborative worldbuilding and ethical stewardship of personal collections.

Salma Amin analyzed the evolution of Sudanese archival practices amid turmoil, focusing on the digital platform Andariya, launched in 2015, and cofounded with Omia Shawkat. Andariya serves as a crucial space for documenting and engaging with Sudanese culture online and offline, adjusting to censorship, violence, and displacement. Amin emphasized grassroots-led digital archiving as essential for preserving collective memory, while addressing challenges like data security, sustainability, and potential misrepresentation. Her insights reveal the complex interplay between technology, community effort, and archival resilience in unstable contexts.

In the next session, Larrisa-Diana Furhmann explored how Sudanese artists deploy Instagram as an active archive to preserve personal narratives and to counter state narratives. She examined the tensions between creative freedom, platform politics, censorship, and algorithmic limitations. Using visual and content analysis alongside digital ethnography and interviews, her research reveals Instagram as a site of resistance and collective memory-building under political repression. This study highlights the emerging role of social media in documenting history and fostering political participation in Sudan.

The discussion then shifted to Sudanese heritage preservation and archiving in light of institutional decline and ongoing conflict. Bentley Brown and Haneen Sidahmed focused on Sudanese heritage preservation by communities amidst institutional collapse and conflict, emphasizing oral traditions and diaspora participation. They explored “affective archiving,” where memory is tied to emotion and displacement, with diaspora communities building decentralized, DIY archives, particularly online. Their work uses interviews and video documentation to understand how Sudanese music, stories, and lived experiences create meaningful heritage. Their research underscores community agency as fundamental to cultural survival in fragmented contexts.

Next, Ahmad Sikainga examined Khartoum’s vibrant popular culture across the twentieth century, concentrating on music, dance, fashion, and sports. Utilizing colonial records, oral histories, and photographs, he analyzed how ethnicity, identity, and conflict influenced urban social life in northern Sudan. This work sheds light on the interplay between cultural expression and sociopolitical dynamics, enriching understandings of Sudan’s evolving urban identity during the colonial and post-colonial periods.

Marilyn Deegan and Wahbi Abdulrahman highlighted the Sudan Memory project’s transformative work since 2013 to digitize and safeguard endangered Sudanese cultural heritage. The initiative installed digitization equipment nationwide, including at Nile Valley University, to preserve manuscripts, photographs, films, and artifacts. Despite challenges, the project trained hundreds of people, captured around 300,000 images, and launched a robust online archive. Sudan Memory now functions as a crucial cultural lifeline, reinforcing cultural memory’s role in Sudanese national identity.

Continuing the conversation on Sudan Memory, Qutouf Elobaid and Rund Al Arabi represented the Locale collective, and shed light on a project that critically engages with the digitized archives of Sudan Memory to challenge dominant historical narratives and foreground overlooked Sudanese histories. Their project examined themes like colonial legacies, love histories, design-politics intersections, and industrial impacts. By analyzing diverse archival materials, the initiative advocates for archives as active sites of research, uncovering marginalized voices and questioning post-colonial identity constructs. Their work expands Sudanese historiography, fostering scholarly and public reinterpretations that invigorate Sudan’s cultural and historical discourse.

Ala Kheir then explored photography’s vital role in documenting Sudan’s recent social and political unrest. He traced photography’s evolution from the colonial era to digital times, emphasizing both professional and amateur photographers’ contributions to narratives of resistance. He discussed challenges such as censorship and personal risk, alongside new opportunities from citizen journalism through technology. His research combines interviews and social media analysis to highlight photography’s impact on public opinion, policy, and collective memory, advocating for building a comprehensive photographic archive to preserve Sudan’s contemporary history.

Rahiem Shadad examined Sudanese cultural policies during the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on Maslahat Althaqafa, an institution founded in 1971 to promote diverse artistic expressions beyond dominant Arab-Islamic narratives. His work assessed how Maslahat Althaqafa fostered inclusivity and shaped a broad national identity through a variety of programs. Using archival research, oral histories, and interviews, his work sheds light on this often-overlooked period of cultural policymaking, offering insights for current debates on cultural identity and policy in Sudan.

In the next session, Ruba El Malik and Reem Abbas discussed how Sudanese women have utilized fashion, poetry, and “girls’ songs” (aghani banat) to document sociopolitical events in Sudan, particularly in the face of the destruction of national archives and arts infrastructure by the Islamist regime. They outlined women’s roles as historians and archivists through their daily communications and dress, preserving cultural heritage by reflecting on social issues, personal experiences, and their position in Sudanese society. The authors highlighted Sudanese cloth (toub) from different political eras, pictures, music, and poetry to showcase how women have organically built an archive through their approach to daily life, emphasizing the resilience and dynamism of Sudanese women’s historicizing efforts.

Representing Sudan Living Heritage (SSLH) project and co-authors Zainab Gaafar and Helen Mallinson, Amna Elidrissy emphasized the interplay between traditional heritage transmission and contemporary archiving in Sudan during both peaceful and turbulent times. Highlighting projects like the Western Sudan Community Museum and the SSLH online platform, she discussed evolving museums into participatory community spaces that support continuous cultural transmission. These efforts adapt heritage preservation to transmission through modern communication technologies, ensuring cultural heritage remains a lived, evolving practice rather than a static relic, vital for resilience amid challenges like modernization and conflict.

The last session focused on the experiences of Sudanese migrant workers in Beirut, Lebanon, from the 1950s to the present. Anna Reumert looked at how these migrants have been excluded from official historical narratives despite their significant contributions to Lebanese society. Through oral histories, personal archives, and independent films, she explained how these migrants have created a parallel to Lebanese public memory, documenting Sudanese migrant lives and participating in transregional political solidarity. Her work examines the evolution of Sudanese migrant political communities, their engagement with pan-Africanist and anticolonial struggles, and the impact of Sudan’s political shifts, including the December 2018 revolution and ongoing war, on their sense of exile and prospects for return.

To view the working group agenda, click here

To read the participants’ biographies, click here

Read more about this research initiative

Participants and Discussants:

Reem Abbas, Independent Researcher

Wahbi Abdulrahman, Nile Valley University, Sudan

Ahmed Abushouk, Qatar University

Ayah Ahmed, Georgetown University in Qatar

Rund Alarabi, The Städelschule (Hochschule für Bildende Künste), Germany

Sara Al-Attiyah, Qatar Museums

Khalid Albaih, Artist in Residence, Georgetown University in Qatar

Muez Ali, Earthna: Center for a Sustainable Future at Qatar Foundation

Reem Aljeally, The Muse Multi Studios

Salma Amin, Andariya

Zahra Babar, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Misba Bhatti, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Bentley Brown, American University of Sharjah

Erica Carter, King’s College

Marilyn Deegan, King’s College

Ola Diab, 500 Words Magazine

Amna Elidrissy, Safeguarding Sudan’s Living Heritage (SSLH)

Ruba El Melik, Independent Researcher

Qutouf Elobaid, Locale

Noon Elsherif, Georgetown University in Qatar

Larissa-Diana Fuhrmann, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt

Zainab Gaafar, Safeguarding Sudan’s Living Heritage (SSLH)

Katarzyna Grabska, University of Geneva

Suha Hasan, Mawane

Aya Hassan, Georgetown University in Qatar

Noor Hussain, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Eiman Hussein, King’s College

Lynda Iroulo, Georgetown University in Qatar

Ala Kheir, Independent Researcher

Dale Menezes,Georgetown University in Qatar

Suzi Mirgani, CIRS, Georgetown University in Qatar

Firat Oruc, Georgetown University in Qatar

Anna Simone Ruemert, The New School, US

Nadya Sbaiti, Georgetown University in Qatar

Rahiem Shadad, Downtown Gallery

Omnia Shawkat, Andariya

Haneen Sidhahmed, Sudan Tapes Archive

Ahmad Sikainga, Ohio State UniversityArticle by CIRS Research Analyst Misba Bhatti
