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Arab Maghrib
Arab West (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
Arab Mashriq
Arab East
The primary dominant features of the middle east
Islam and Arabic language
Why is the ME known as the cradle of civilization
The birth place of the 3 monotheistic religions
When was the ottoman empire in control starting
Came to power in the 14th century until the of end of the first world war. Capital in Istanbul. They did not control central Arabia, Iran, Morocco.
What is Lebanon’s history with the Ottoman empire
As terrain was more complex it became harder to govern, Lebanon has a long history of governors and local leaders that challenged ottoman rule locally.
Describe when and how the fall of the Ottoman empire occurred
Nearing the 19th century the Empire began declining slowly and the communities under their control began to ally themselves with other countries. (Co-religionists; i.e. Lebanon England-Druze, Tzarist’s-Orthodox, Catholics-France). The empire became known as the “sick man of Europe”.
What was the Nation-state and how did this influence the fall of the Ottoman Empire
Began to seep in to communities in the empire causing pull back from the empire and aspirations for smaller nation states.
Lebanon's First Civil War and European Influence (1860)
Lebanon began developing European-influenced identities and received European support.
The 1860 conflict in Mount Lebanon is considered Lebanon's first civil war, sparked by issues of identity, population control, and economic policies.
The war ended with the Ottoman Empire negotiating with five European states, leading to the creation of an independent Mount Lebanon.
What is the ideology based on the establishment of a Jewish homeland
Zionism
Hussein-McMahon Correspondence (WWI)
During WWI, the Ottomans sided with Germany and Austro-Hungary.
Western European powers saw weakening the Ottomans as key to victory.
The British promised the Arabs support for an independent Arab state if they revolted against the Ottomans.
This was known as the Hussein-McMahon Correspondence between Hussein bin Ali, Amir of Mecca, and British diplomat Henry McMahon.
The British offered military and financial support to the Hashemites for the revolt.
The movie "Lawrence of Arabia" covers this period.
Sykes-Picot Agreement (WWI)
Britain and France secretly divided the Middle East between themselves after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
Russia was also promised control over Constantinople (Istanbul).
France, Britain, Russia, and Italy divided the region's land.
Arabs discovered the agreement when the Bolsheviks leaked it after the Russian Revolution.
This created feelings of betrayal among Arabs, particularly towards the British.
Balfour Declaration (1917)
The British promised support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
This contradicted the earlier promise to support an independent Arab state.
Arthur Balfour sent a letter of support to a leader of Britain's Anglo-Jewish community.
The clash between Jewish and Arab populations in Palestine eventually led to the creation of Israel.
Creation of the Republic of Turkey (1923)
Turkish nationalists overthrew the Ottoman Sultan and took over the capital.
In 1923, Turkey declared independence as the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
San Remo Conference
A post-World War I meeting where the victorious Allied powers decided the fate of former Ottoman territories.
Why was the League of Nations important as it refers to Post War negotiations
Legitimized the agreements of San Remo
San Remo Conference Objective
To distribute control of the former Ottoman territories among the Allied powers.
Lebanese Nationalists at Post-WWI Conferences
Lebanese Nationalists, allied with the French, lobbied successfully for a Lebanese nation-state, resulting in the creation of "Grand Liban," which expanded to include Tripoli, Beirut, and the Bekaa Valleys, despite the regions lacking a unified national identity.
Sykes-Picot Influence on Post-WWI Negotiations
The Sykes-Picot Agreement was honored as a template during post-WWI negotiations, with adjustments made for power balances and local interests. Territories were divided into mandates, protectorates, colonies, and condominiums, intended to prepare Arab states for independence but under European control, ultimately dividing and weakening the Arab world to benefit colonizers.
What was the outcome of Hussein Mcmahon
It was not fulfilled
UK and France in Post-WWI Negotiations
The UK and France were the most successful in securing interests post-WWI. The UK received mandates for Palestine (until 1947) and Iraq (until the 1950s), and Jordan became independent in 1946. France controlled Lebanon and Syria, both independent in 1946. The Gulf states became British protectorates, while Arabia was led by the House of Saud. Iran and Turkey were never colonized, with the Treaty of Lausanne defining Turkey's borders and sovereignty.
Colonial History of North African States
Algeria, a French colony since 1830, gained independence after a bitter war in 1962. Tunisia, also a French colony, became independent in 1956. Morocco, a French protectorate from 1912, gained independence in 1956. Italy controlled Libya, which gained independence in 1943, having been unified from three regions in 1934. Egypt was under British control, largely due to the strategic importance of the Suez Canal.
Creation of the Arab League in 1945
The Arab League was established in 1945, marking recognition that the boundaries established during the San Remo Conference would remain, solidifying the territorial divisions in the Arab world.
Beirut Conference of 2016
A major conference held in Beirut in 2016 questioned whether the borders established post-WWI were outdated, given ongoing civil wars in the region, raising concerns about the viability of the original boundaries.
Pan-Syrianism
Pan-Syrianism is a political and cultural ideology advocating for the unification of all territories inhabited by Syrians, including modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and parts of Turkey and Iraq, based on shared history and culture.
Who is the best example of Nation-Building
USA
Why can Nation building be bad
When trying to make a popualtion homogenous, this necitates stepping on smaller groups of people.
Where did the idea of a nation state come from, and what is an example of this in the ME.
The modern day concept of the nation state was a European import. In the example of Israel, the concept of Zionism being founded in Europe and then eventually being exported to the ME.
Summarize the ideas spread by Arab Nationalists, what is something that was downplayed by nationalists.
1. All arabs come from a common language, place and fantastic history
2. Emphasis on unity among all Arab people against foreign domination.
3. Creating the arab nations were meant to divide the arab states
4. The modern ME states lack historical value and are artificial.
5. The Arab world could not be strong again and should remain dependent on the colonial powers.
Religion was downplayed for the sake of unity.
Arguments on Middle Eastern Borders
Arab nationalists argue that European powers heavily imposed artificial borders in the Middle East. However, critics argue that many nation-states, like Egypt, have deep historical roots that predate European intervention, and cannot be considered entirely artificial.
Why was the goal of the Arab League inherently contradictory
This objective was inherently contradictory because the member states, despite sharing linguistic and cultural ties, often had divergent national interests, political systems, and priorities. These differences made it challenging to achieve true unity.
What is the general definition of legitimacy in political science?
Legitimacy is the popular acceptance of a government, political regime, or system of governance.
How is legitimacy related to the relationship between government and the population?
It refers to the degree of support that the population gives to the government to lead the country.
How do citizens in Canada show their support or disapproval of the government?
By voting or engaging in other civil actions such as protests, contacting MPs, and spreading social awareness.
Why is the change of leadership or government a significant aspect of legitimacy?
Frequent or peaceful changes in leadership often indicate legitimacy, while long-term rule or coercion may undermine it.
How long did King Hussain rule Jordan, and who succeeded him?
King Hussain ruled Jordan from 1953 to 1999, and was succeeded by his son, King Abdullah.
How long did King Hassan II rule?
1961 to 1999
Describe Syria’s leadership
Dad, Hafez al assad passed down to Bashar in 2000.
What happened to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during the Arab Spring?
He was forced out of office in 2010-11.
When was the Arab Spring
2010
What are some ways in which Arab monarchies or one-party states maintain power?
Through coercion, foreign ties, public manipulation, incentives, corruption, and religion.
What is the title of the book by Dawisha and Zartman that discusses the durability of Arab states?
"Beyond Coercion: The Durability of the Arab State."
What does the book "Beyond Coercion: The Durability of the Arab State" explore?
How Arab states maintain legitimacy and power over time.
What can be said about legitimacy as it relates to rule
Gaining legitimacy is a need that is not restricted to liberal democratic regimes but is considered a basic condition of rule. Every regime seeks to justify its reign there is no such thing as a government which has none or seeks no legitimacy.
What are the most common systems of government in the ME and how can they be sub categorized
Almost half of the region has this kind of government and they generally break up into two parts. First is the oil-producing monarchies and the second is non-oil-producing monarchies.
Give examples of oil-producing and non-oil producing monarchies
Non-Oil: Jordan and Morroco
Oil: Saudi, Qatar
What is traditional legitimacy?
Governance that is tied to a more authentic ethnic way of rule, including tribal family rule, often found in deeply traditional societies.
What are examples of traditional legitimacy in the Arab world?
The ruling families of Jordan (Hashemites) and Morocco (Alawite Dynasty), both of which claim descendance from the Prophet Muhammad.
Why is the claim of descendance from the Prophet Muhammad significant for the ruling families of Jordan and Morocco?
It gives them a quasi-religious authority, making criticism of them akin to blasphemy, and helps protect their legitimacy.
How does charisma play a role in traditional legitimacy?
Charisma is crucial to legitimacy; leaders like King Hussein of Jordan and King Hassan II of Morocco were seen as charismatic, which helped legitimize their rule.
What is religious legitimacy, and how is it significant for Morocco and Jordan?
Religious legitimacy involves rulers deriving authority from religious connections, such as claiming descendance from the Prophet Muhammad, which lends them religious credibility.
What is a patrimonial system in the context of legitimacy?
A system where the leader provides material benefits to society and individuals in return for their support, reinforcing their legitimacy.
How do Morocco and Jordan use material legitimacy to maintain their rule?
By providing material benefits and political favors to key members of society, often using wealth from foreign aid from oil-producing monarchies and Western countries like the USA.
What role does foreign aid play in material legitimacy for Jordan and Morocco?
Aid from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and the USA helps ensure regime survival by maintaining support through material distribution.
What is procedural legitimacy?
Legitimacy derived from following established political procedures, such as forming alliances, elections, or sharing power with opposition groups.
Give an example of procedural legitimacy in Jordan.
King Abdullah of Jordan is married to a Palestinian woman, which connects him to the Palestinian population that makes up about 30% of Jordanian society
How was procedural legitimacy established in Morocco during the 1990s?
When socialists, who were traditionally in opposition, came to power, sharing control with the royal family, thereby bringing greater legitimacy through power-sharing.
What does "Share the blame" refer to in the context of procedural legitimacy?
When ruling powers allow opposition groups to gain parliamentary power, effectively sharing governance responsibilities and thus enhancing the system's legitimacy.
What is L.B.A (Lack of a Better Alternative) in political context?
The idea that citizens accept their current government because they see surrounding states in greater instability, and believe it could be worse, leading them to be content with the status quo.
How did Gaddafi use the L.B.A argument?
Gaddafi argued that without him, Libya would collapse, presenting himself as the only alternative to instability.
What is civil society?
A space not controlled by the government where people organize and interact, such as lawyer syndicates or journalist organizations.
How does procedural legitimacy relate to civil society?
Governments using procedural legitimacy may allow some civil society groups to operate as part of a controlled opening of the political process.
What is self-censorship?
The act of censoring one's own speech or actions due to fear of potential consequences, often without direct pressure from authorities.
How might self-censorship manifest in a country?
Newspapers may shut down or limit their criticism of the government due to fear of retaliation, even without explicit threats.
Why might regimes create their own liberal organizations?
To crowd the political space, ensuring control over liberal discourse rather than allowing independent organizations to gain influence.
How did monarchical systems in the Middle East fare during the Arab Spring?
Monarchical systems generally performed better than other types of regimes, managing to survive the political upheaval more effectively.
What challenges did the Jordanian and Moroccan monarchies face?
Both monarchies dealt with military, political challenges, and the Israeli situation but managed to survive by adapting to changing political conditions.
How did Jordanian and Moroccan monarchs ensure regime survival?
By being adept leaders who could adjust their policies based on the political climate to maintain stability and their hold on power.
What are oil-producing monarchies in the Middle East?
The strongest countries in the region, known for their wealth and influence derived largely from oil production, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
What led to the shift in regional power away from countries like Syria and Iraq to oil-producing monarchies?
The shift was largely due to the economic power and influence of oil. Oil-producing countries became dominant as their wealth allowed them to wield considerable political and economic power.
How does oil production impact democracy in these countries?
Oil tends to hinder democracy. The wealth generated from oil allows monarchies to maintain power by distributing wealth to appease citizens, reducing pressure for democratic reform.
What is a rentier state?
A state that derives a significant portion of its national revenues from the rent of indigenous resources to external clients, such as oil production in Gulf monarchies.
How do rentier states collect revenue without heavily taxing their citizens?
They primarily collect revenue from external sources, such as taxing companies that trade oil, instead of relying on domestic taxation.
Why are oil-producing monarchies referred to as distribution states?
They use the wealth generated from oil to distribute material benefits, such as subsidies, welfare, and public services, which helps to maintain loyalty and reduce demands for political change.
What role does wealth distribution play in the stability of oil-producing monarchies?
The distribution of wealth to citizens helps maintain social stability by ensuring that the population has fewer economic grievances, thereby reducing incentives to push for political reform or democratization.
How does oil wealth enable oil-producing monarchies to maintain control over their populations?
By using oil wealth to provide high levels of social services, subsidies, and employment opportunities, these monarchies can reduce political dissent and maintain the status quo without needing to democratize.
SA: How did the Sykes-Picot Agreement, Balfour Declaration and Hussein-McMahon Correspondence impact the political landscape of the Middle East?
SA: What are the different bases of legitimacy used by monarchies in Jordan and Morocco?
EQ: Analyze the influence of European powers in shaping the borders and political systems of the Middle East after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Discuss the impact of agreements like the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the role of the League of Nations.
EQ: Discuss the concept of legitimacy in the political systems of the Middle East. Compare the different types of legitimacy (traditional, religious, material, procedural) employed by monarchies in the region and their effectiveness in regime survival.
EQ: Evaluate the rise of Arab nationalism and its challenges to the concept of nation-states. How did European colonial policies, Zionism, and the role of the Arab League influence the development of national identities in the region?
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