Description

Advancing definitive conclusions concerning developments and trends in Middle Eastern politics is an unwise adventure. Conflicts and crises in the Middle East contain layers of complexity – intra regional, international and historical.

In this presentation, organized by the CIC National Capital Branch’s Middle East Study Group, Dr. Ali G. Dizboni of the Royal Military College of Canada, will tackle various issues:

Claims of the Middle East region’s decreasing economic and strategic importance in the post-Cold War era – a claim that depending on where you stand, could be partially true but arguably debatable as an overarching assumption.

The critical nexus between regional and international players in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here, while assumptions of win-win or zero-sum politics may capture some realities in international politics, they fail to capture the historical depth of ongoing conflicts and partnerships which make up the Middle Eastern reality. In fact, a full understanding of these regional dynamics depends on intricate and complex systemic linkages that go well beyond trade and economics.

Present and future Canadian involvement in the region. Recent official policy statements along with national discussions and consultations provide useful material for examination – allowing one to compare and contrast Canadian engagement in the Middle East post 9/11 to both the rhetoric and actions of the government today. Indeed, such an examination raises questions regarding the degree to which Canada’s future approach to the Middle East will fit within the traditional framework of continentalism, trans-Atlanticism and internationalism characteristic of Canadian international policy.

Registration

No admission and no RSVP is required, everyone is welcome.

Branch-based Contact Person, Hamid Jorjani, hjorjani@bell.net