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41321. Towards a New Medina: Jinnah, the Deobandi Ulama, and the Quest for Pakistan in Late Colonial India

Author:
Venkat Dhulipala
Publication Date:
07-2013
Content Type:
Research Paper
Institution:
India International Centre (IIC)
Abstract:
Towards the end of a rather long day of research in the Oriental and India Office Collections at the British Library in London, I stumbled upon a rather unexpected document in the private papers of Qaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah (Dhulipala, 2014:1). The handwritten document, with its ink fading, was the record of a special séance with Jinnah’s spirit held on 13 March 1955, nearly seven years after his death and eight years after the birth of Pakistan. The séance was conducted against the backdrop of Pakistan’s first constitutional crisis, by a spiritualist hired by a government officer, a certain Mr. Ibrahim who was at hand to direct the questions. After initial pleasantries, Jinnah’s spirit was solicitously asked if it wanted to smoke a cigarette since in life the Great Leader had been a heavy smoker. On the basis of an affirmative answer, a cigarette was lit and fixed on a wire stand for the spirit to smoke while it answered questions. Mr. Ibrahim began, ‘Sir, as a creator and father of Pakistan, won’t you guide the destiny of the nation now?’ The spirit reacted testily saying that it was not its responsibility to guide Pakistan’s destiny any more. A worried Mr. Ibrahim enquired, ‘Don’t you think there is a prosperous future for Pakistan?’ The spirit responded icily, ‘I don’t think so. Prosperity of a country depends on the selflessness of people who control its Destiny. None at all is eager to be selfless there.’ Mr. Ibrahim pressed further. ‘What advice would you give to the present rulers of Pakistan?’ Prompt came the response: ‘Selflessness, selflessness. That is the only advice I can give them now.’ Jinnah’s spirit then made a telling remark.‘ It is easier to acquire a country, but it is extremely difficult to retain it. That in a nutshell is the present position of Pakistan to gain which rivers of blood flowed.’ As the interview drew to an end, Mr. Ibrahim finally asked ‘How are you spending your time nowadays?’ Jinnah’s spirit replied gloomily, ‘Not very well friend. Evil pictures regarding Pakistan are badly in my mind every now and then and I cannot live in mental peace here.’
Topic:
Religion, History, Spiritualism, Spirituality, and Libraries
Political Geography:
Pakistan and India

41322. A Discussion of Youth Civic Activism: Screening Concepts and Levels of Youth Engagement

Author:
Tanja Dibou
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Studies of Changing Societies Journal (SCS)
Institution:
Studies of Changing Societies Journal (SCS)
Abstract:
In the twenty-first century youth activism in society is a certainly interesting, multifaceted and complex research topic. The review of the literature on the theme of youth civic activism have shown that it is higher level of fuzziness in the youth field with the application of concepts 'civic' and 'political'; 'engagement' and 'participation'. Therefore, the key issue of the paper is to explore these concepts. Comprehensive analysis of the concepts offers a more effective way to understand youth civic activism. A focus on the youth involvement in civil society brings to discuss about various forms from 'true' to 'false' forms of activism. Scholars in youth field identify that not every action of young people in society should be seen as the full of value. Additionally to defining the main terms of civic activism, the scholars often flow into long debates about how these terms should be measured. Therefore the paper brings some ways of measurement the level of civic engagement and covers the issues of youth disengagement and finds the answer to the questions: why youth civic activism is important, who can benefit from it? The article is theoretical and youth civic activism will be analyzed through a review of literature.
Topic:
Education, Political Activism, Youth, and Disengagement
Political Geography:
Global Focus

41323. Problems of the Development of the Environmental Policy and Law in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Author:
D. L. Baideldinov, I. K. Kuderin, and A. D. Izbasarova
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Nowa Polityka Wschodnia
Institution:
Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
Abstract:
During the years of independence the Republic of Kazakhstan had evolved sufficiently developed and systemic legislation, which regulates social relations in the field of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources. On the basis of the international environmental conventions ratified by the Parliament, the country adopted the fundamental regulations that created the legal framework for the effective environmental management and optimal activity by the users of natural resources. On December 3, 2003 by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved the Concept of Ecological Security, which served as a methodological instrument for the further development of the legal framework of the State Environmental Protection of Kazakhstan . In 1997 three environmental bills had been passed – On Environmental Protection in the Republic of Kazakhstan , On Environmental Impact Assessment , On Specially Protected Natural Territories . Later laws On Protection of Atmospheric Air , On Subsoil and Subsoil Use and more than three hundred laws and regulations governing the multifaceted aspects of environmental management had been passed.
Topic:
Development, Environment, and Law
Political Geography:
Central Asia and Kazakhstan

41324. Iran in the 10th Year of the 2nd Gulf War

Author:
BILGESAM
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
Abstract:
The second Gulf War ended the Ba’ath regime in Iraq, exhausted by wars and embargoes for 23 years. Because of the war Iraq plunged into chaos and came almost to the verge of a de facto disintegration. The War has not only changed the internal balances in Iraq but also affected the Middle Eastern geopolitics profoundly. While a new political structure had been created in Iraq reflecting the primacy of the majority Shiite groups, the de facto autonomy of Kurdish groups in the north, which have developed close relations with the USA, has gradually gained a constitutional character. The PKK terrorist organization recovered during this period increased its maneuvering capability in northern Iraq and Qandil Mountain and intensified its attacks against Turkey. Following the withdrawal of USA troops at the end of 2011, instability in Iraqi politics has deteriorated and it was observed that that emerging power vacuum is being filled to a large extent by Iran. The “Iraq in the Tenth Year of the Second Gulf War” report pay attention to Iraqi actors, the emerging state structure and the political-economic situation of the country, as well as the way how the emerging power vacuum affects the region and Turkey. The report analyzes the deepening political instability and internal disputes in the post-US Iraq, Turkey’s relations with the central government and the Kurdish Administration in the north. The report also tries to explore the future of the ongoing political and economic instability in Iraq and provides the Turkish decision-makers with recommendations for Turkey’s national interests.
Topic:
Economics, Conflict, Kurds, Gulf War, and Economic Stability
Political Geography:
Iraq and Middle East

41325. The Effect of Syria Crisis on the Transformation and Integration of the Middle East

Author:
M. Murat Erdoğan
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
Abstract:
The Arab spring could be seen as an integral part of a world in transformation. The technology and information revolutions and interconnectedness between cultures make it impossible for tyrants to rule for lifetime while subjugating the people to servitude with no chance for their freedom. Despite the unique characteristics of each country, the common theme of the protests in the Arab world has been largely shaped by the continuing economic inequality and rising social injustices. The Arab youth charge the authoritarian governments as the main source of their socioeconomic problems, lack of freedoms, and injustices and, desire change in the current political systems. Syria has a central position connecting the Arab states to Turkey. As a pioneering state, Turkey needs a democratic Syria to contribute to the transformation of the Arab world. It could be said that the fall of Assad regime and the establishment of a democratic government in Syria can contribute to Turkey’s initiatives for the transformation and regional integration in the Middle East.
Topic:
Democratization, Democracy, Syrian War, Crisis Management, and Integration
Political Geography:
Middle East and Syria

41326. Soft Power, Regionalism and Common Neighborhoods: Russia's Potential in a Competitive Environment

Author:
Andrey Makarychev
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
Abstract:
This paper argues that soft power becomes an indispensable component of Russia’s policies toward its southern neighbors. The author addresses the conceptual and practical dimensions of soft power instrumentalization by the Russian diplomacy. He claims that soft power can be applied not only within bilateral relations between Russia and its individual partners, but also as a tool of more regionally-oriented policies. In this context such regional frameworks with different degrees of institutionalization as the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea regions, Central Asia and the Caucasus are discussed. The paper concludes by stating that Russia’s soft power projection inevitably develops in competition with soft power projects launched by other major actors in Eurasia, including Turkey and the European Union.
Topic:
Environment, Regional Cooperation, Soft Power, Regionalism, and Strategic Competition
Political Geography:
Russia, Central Asia, Eurasia, Turkey, and Crimea

41327. Building Capacity for Public Understanding of Science: A Report on the Role of Science Centers

Author:
Burçkin Dal, Mesut Özcan, Duygu Öztür, and Umut Alper
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
Abstract:
There is a growing need in the world for the proficiency in core competencies for public understanding of science. However, decision makers and public often lack access to information, knowledge and skills to engage in informed decision making regarding socio-scientific issues; besides, settings typically lack infrastructure to support such activities. This paper aims to explore and describe the critical factors and dynamics in science centers’ strategic initiative to develop capacity for the improvement of public understanding of science and its core competencies regarding national and international standard practices.
Topic:
Development, Science and Technology, and Research
Political Geography:
Turkey

41328. Bridging a (Mis)perceptional Gap: The EU's Eastern Partnership and Russian Policies in the Trans-Caucasus

Author:
Alexander Sergunin
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
Abstract:
The launch of the EU’s Eastern Partnership in 2009 has puzzled both Russian decision-makers and experts. To the date they cannot arrive to any specific conclusion: whether this project is another geopolitical challenge to Russia’s domination in the post-Soviet space or a potential platform for cooperation both with the EU and countries of the region? The author believes that regardless numerous misunderstandings and misperceptions there is a ‘window of opportunity’ for the EU, Russia and Trans-Caucasian countries to develop a joint cooperative strategy.
Topic:
European Union, Partnerships, Geopolitics, and Soft Power
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, and Caucasus

41329. An Evaluation of the Last Decade of Turkish Foreign Policy

Author:
N. Nevra Esentürk
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
Abstract:
One can evaluate the last decade of Turkey’s foreign policy within two categorical contexts: the pre and post Arab spring eras. An overall assessment shows that within these contexts, Turkey’s foreign policy in the pre-revolutionary era had proven more successful and fruitful. In contrast, however, the same could not be said of the post-revolutionary era; the Arab Spring distraught Turkey’s foreign policies and was the proverbial breaking-point for its continued stability and success.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Human Rights, History, Arab Spring, and Strategic Stability
Political Geography:
Turkey and Middle East

41330. Evolution and Change in Iranian Foreign Policy: From Ideology-Orientedness to Pragmatism

Author:
Cenap Çakmak
Publication Date:
07-2013
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
BILGESAM (Wise Men Center for Strategic Studies)
Abstract:
There is visible Iranian interest in the so-called Arab Spring process. This growing interest could be attributed the advantages associated with the emerging Shia Crescent in the Middle East which could be favorable to the Iranian interests. However, it is essential to review the overall aspects of Iranian foreign policy to further elaborate on this matter. In other words, the Iranian foreign policy should be prone to have regional ambitions in order to speak of interest in regional developments such as Arab Spring or Shia Crescent. In order to properly analyze whether or not Shia Crescent becomes a stronger reality in the Arab Spring process, it is also relevant to discuss the fundamental tenets and current tendencies of the Iranian foreign policy. For the sake of the discussion, a brief analysis of the Iranian foreign policy after the Islamic revolution in 1979 will be sufficient to determine as to whether Iran may actually be interested in expanding its sphere of influence in the region and taking advantage of the Arab Spring, though there are some similarities with the foreign policy approach before the regime change as well.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Arab Spring, Ideology, and Pragmatism
Political Geography:
Iran and Middle East