The month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar is observed by Muslims worldwide as a sacred month of reflection. Its history dates back more than 1,400 years to the time of Prophet Muhammad, who received the first verses of the Quran during this month. The word “Ramadan” itself comes from an Arabic root meaning “intense...
The fourth and last part of the module, “Politics and Development in the Middle East”, highlighted the developmental prospects for countries in the Middle East. We have discovered a whole spectrum of factors that actively contribute to the region’s (un)even development (Friedman 2006: 32). Abundant evidence shows that the international world order has been the...
The concept of hegemony is a complex and multifaceted one, with different ideologies presenting varying views within the field of International Relations. However, all theories emphasize two crucial aspects: overwhelming material influence and the practice of leadership. While some scholars focus solely on the worldly power of hegemony, most approaches highlight both elements to varying...
“To realize a world of equality and dignity for all, we will have to change laws and policies; we will also have to change hearts and minds.” According to the iSEE and VESS 2021 report, it is estimated that the number of LGBT people in Vietnam accounts for about 9 – 11 % of the...
During the course, we have been able to unravel and demystify the complexities of the Middle East. Our exploration has taken us through topics such as the history of Islam and authoritarianism, which have contributed to a better understanding of how the region is perceived. We delved into the historical perspective of Islam and its...
It’s been almost six months since Thailand’s General Election, and a new government has been established. Despite winning the most votes and seats, the Move Forward Party (MFP) has yet to be included in the new administration. Led by Pita Limjaroenrat, the MFP is known for advocating three key progressive policies: demilitarisation, demonopolization, and decentralisation....
Improve the world a better place for ourselves and future generations Our global community is united in the pursuit of a better world. We are determined to tackle the pressing issues of violence, racism, and climate change. We engage in constructive discussions, organize press conferences, and pass laws to promote climate preservation. However, we recognize...
The Politics and Development of the Middle East is an intriguing topic that has gained attention due to the rapidly evolving global affairs. This region is culturally diverse, rich in oil and gas resources, and strategically located. It has a blend of conservative Islam with advanced technologies and volatile unneighborly relations, making it increasingly important...
Numerous compelling reasons exist to study politics and development in the Middle East. One of the most significant reasons is the region’s abundant natural resources, particularly its vast oil reserves. These valuable resources have catapulted Middle Eastern countries onto the global stage and made them crucial players in geopolitics. As a result, nations with substantial...
8th September 2023 was a seemingly ordinary evening in Agadir, Morocco. I was peacefully sitting on my bed, indulging in a series I’d longed to watch for quite some time. The clock struck 11:11 pm, a moment I’d always considered lucky, but little did I know that the universe had other plans for that hour....
This blog provides essential information on mental health and why the University community needs to take it seriously. In the last decade, communities have made notable leaps, cross-culturally, regarding raising awareness for mental health difficulties. Unfortunately, much work is still to be done, and we may have a few pieces of the puzzle missing. Young...
Elections, particularly general ones, involve fundamental choices that affect the world’s political norms and ideologies. Recent elections in several established democracies, such as the United States, Brazil, and Italy, have resulted in upheavals. In Thailand, however, voters had a chance to promote a free and fair democracy after the coup d’etat ousted Yingluck Shinawatra’s elected...