EXPLAINING THE ARAB REVOLUTION WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST: FROM AN IDENTITYCENTRED REACTION TO A POSITIVE INVOLVEMENT

Abstract

This article is a treatise on the Arab revolution from the aspect of globalization as an inconsistent process. It postulates that the inconsistent character of current globalization has exacerbated the conditions of the occurrence of the Arab spring, while explaining why the Middle East in general has not been able to successfully integrate into it, within a core-periphery paradigm. The methodology referred to involves the projection on the level of real politics, of both macro and micro levels analysis of such a paradigm. In this sense, on the level of macro economics, US power politics, in its privileged relationship with the Arab authoritarian states, implies a geopolitical and geo-economic dominance supporting the status quo resulting from its global core situation. From the level of micro economic analysis, on the other hand, the core-periphery paradigm has also remained within the domestic scale of those Arab states, given their unequal distribution of resources and leaving behind the alienated populations from having any input into domestic governance. The analyses of Islamic responses to globalization in the Middle East, promises therefore a long term perspective to explain the Arab revolution, beyond the short term and spontaneous character, as attributed to it. Such long term perspective also explains the importance of this article. On the other hand, as regards Islamic identity affirmation in the light of globalization, as contrary to the preceding pejorative and reactive Islamic stance in relation to those unequal global patterns, the Arab revolution reveals rather an interactive, positive response to them, which underlines again the relevance of this article. Furthermore, as regards Islam and globalization, it is indicated that it is the capacity of Islam’s selective accommodation of globalization, which has made possible the Arab revolution. Consequently, the article defends that such original response, which made the Arab revolution possible, has evolved within a doctrinal effort for a new Islamic reinterpretation which would be progressive and democratic, as suits the universal values already found in Islam