The Arab spring and the consequences of Globalization: Dysfunctions, Identity and Modernity

Dr. Christie was awarded a Research and Professional Development grant for a research paper examining issues developing in the Middle East from globalization and Westernization.

In this paper we explore these tensions and problems created by globalization and increasing Westernization of societies by comparing the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a traditional monarchy and rentier state with Jordan, also a traditional monarchy which faces conflict on its precarious borders. Interest in the increasing conflict in the Middle East (specifically Syria and Iraq) cuts across all disciplines in its implications and we offer an interdisciplinary perspective (political science, history, sociology as well as looking at human security elements to create a more holistic picture of events).