Although the concepts of nationalism and patriotism have experienced varying degrees of interest ... more Although the concepts of nationalism and patriotism have experienced varying degrees of interest by scholars, the firm establishment of the nation state as a global social order has given them an enduring presence among academic writings. Recent developments on the global political arena bring forth once again the significance of these concepts as the definitions and boundaries of what both concepts encompass or not are being questioned. Some, as this article suggests, will even go as far as questioning the need for such concepts given some contentious issues attributed with their definition and implementation. The article attempts to cover various aspects of the notions of nationalism and patriotism including their essentially contested nature and the arguments made for and against both concepts. Finally I will attempt to offer a possible alternative framework that can accommodate aspects of both concepts such as belonging and allegiance that are inherent in human nature in a manner that may tackle some of the complications arising from their implementation.
This paper is concerned with the topic of improving the effectiveness of international law throug... more This paper is concerned with the topic of improving the effectiveness of international law through reforming the governing institutional system. Although most major efforts in this regard have been directed at improving the U.N. charter and some of the crucial international bodies associated with the topic such as the International Court of Justice, the argument presented here is that increasing the effectiveness of international law requires an integrated institutional approach that considers reform along a number of mechanisms that influence its practice. The paper initially addresses the issue of whether there is a need to improve the effectiveness of international followed by a proposal of an integrated natured that encompasses a number of themes related to the topic.
It has become increasingly apparent that modern IR theories are more Western oriented in their ap... more It has become increasingly apparent that modern IR theories are more Western oriented in their approach to the domain. This has motivated many critics to point out the limited ability of such theories in explaining many aspects of the field including IR dynamics in the non-western world. The question therefore becomes how can we tackle this problem and ensure the discipline becomes more inclusive? Although scholars vary in their arguments whether 'Western' and 'non-Western' are appropriate labels, others argue for particular national 'approaches' of IR. This paper on the other hand suggests that the potential for non-western IR theory lies primarily in distinguishing the problem field being addressed and by broadening the ontology and epistemology of IR theory adopted. Although theories of IR continue to be dominated by Western perspectives and contributions, it is possible to build alternative schools originating from non-Western contexts and experiences if the above two factors are considered.
Introduction This article is inspired from John Lederach's book " The Moral Imagination: The art ... more Introduction This article is inspired from John Lederach's book " The Moral Imagination: The art and soul of building peace " 1 which approaches the topic of conflict resolution with a predominantly profound and humanistic manner. One of the main arguments made in the book is the detrimental need for the field of conflict resolution and those working within it to adopt a less mechanistic issue focused manner in dealing with conflicts and follow a methodology that reflects complexity and more sensitivity to the soft side of humans and their social order. Furthermore Lederach (2005) proposes that what is required to address and resolve protracted conflicts is a conflict transformation methodology rather than a conflict resolution manner for a number of reasons primary among them is the emphasis conflict transformation places on establishing relationship based constructive change. As I reflect on the situation in Egypt I find such a proposal a much needed mindset in addressing the current social conflict tearing up the Egyptian social fabric. The transformational approach addresses conflict somewhat differently from conflict resolution since it goes beyond considering a set of specific techniques such as Burton's (1997) 2 problem solving or negotiation and more about a more comprehensive way of looking at certain aspects of the conflict context that enable us to develop a deeper understanding of the contentious issues at stake.
Although the concepts of nationalism and patriotism have experienced varying degrees of interest ... more Although the concepts of nationalism and patriotism have experienced varying degrees of interest by scholars, the firm establishment of the nation state as a global social order has given them an enduring presence among academic writings. Recent developments on the global political arena bring forth once again the significance of these concepts as the definitions and boundaries of what both concepts encompass or not are being questioned. Some, as this article suggests, will even go as far as questioning the need for such concepts given some contentious issues attributed with their definition and implementation. The article attempts to cover various aspects of the notions of nationalism and patriotism including their essentially contested nature and the arguments made for and against both concepts. Finally I will attempt to offer a possible alternative framework that can accommodate aspects of both concepts such as belonging and allegiance that are inherent in human nature in a manner that may tackle some of the complications arising from their implementation.
This paper is concerned with the topic of improving the effectiveness of international law throug... more This paper is concerned with the topic of improving the effectiveness of international law through reforming the governing institutional system. Although most major efforts in this regard have been directed at improving the U.N. charter and some of the crucial international bodies associated with the topic such as the International Court of Justice, the argument presented here is that increasing the effectiveness of international law requires an integrated institutional approach that considers reform along a number of mechanisms that influence its practice. The paper initially addresses the issue of whether there is a need to improve the effectiveness of international followed by a proposal of an integrated natured that encompasses a number of themes related to the topic.
It has become increasingly apparent that modern IR theories are more Western oriented in their ap... more It has become increasingly apparent that modern IR theories are more Western oriented in their approach to the domain. This has motivated many critics to point out the limited ability of such theories in explaining many aspects of the field including IR dynamics in the non-western world. The question therefore becomes how can we tackle this problem and ensure the discipline becomes more inclusive? Although scholars vary in their arguments whether 'Western' and 'non-Western' are appropriate labels, others argue for particular national 'approaches' of IR. This paper on the other hand suggests that the potential for non-western IR theory lies primarily in distinguishing the problem field being addressed and by broadening the ontology and epistemology of IR theory adopted. Although theories of IR continue to be dominated by Western perspectives and contributions, it is possible to build alternative schools originating from non-Western contexts and experiences if the above two factors are considered.
Introduction This article is inspired from John Lederach's book " The Moral Imagination: The art ... more Introduction This article is inspired from John Lederach's book " The Moral Imagination: The art and soul of building peace " 1 which approaches the topic of conflict resolution with a predominantly profound and humanistic manner. One of the main arguments made in the book is the detrimental need for the field of conflict resolution and those working within it to adopt a less mechanistic issue focused manner in dealing with conflicts and follow a methodology that reflects complexity and more sensitivity to the soft side of humans and their social order. Furthermore Lederach (2005) proposes that what is required to address and resolve protracted conflicts is a conflict transformation methodology rather than a conflict resolution manner for a number of reasons primary among them is the emphasis conflict transformation places on establishing relationship based constructive change. As I reflect on the situation in Egypt I find such a proposal a much needed mindset in addressing the current social conflict tearing up the Egyptian social fabric. The transformational approach addresses conflict somewhat differently from conflict resolution since it goes beyond considering a set of specific techniques such as Burton's (1997) 2 problem solving or negotiation and more about a more comprehensive way of looking at certain aspects of the conflict context that enable us to develop a deeper understanding of the contentious issues at stake.
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