Transformation in the Islamic Identity of Middle East: Motives, Drivers and Impacts

Abstract

Ever since the advent of Islam in 7th Century AD, the Middle East maintained its Islamic identity. There have been numerous attempts to alter the Islamic identity of the region in the past. Nevertheless, people resisted the change and their belief system somehow remained unmoved. Owing to its geographical proximity, geopolitical and geo-economic interests, West is considered to be the key driver of making this change in the Islamic identity of the region. Nevertheless, there exists ambiguity and confusion about the transformation, its objectives, patterns and methodology in an environment of international power play in the Middle East. This research aims to investigate the transformation in the identity of the Middle East from three perspectives; a) whether there is an on-going transformation in the Islamic identity of the Middle East, b) what is the philosophy behind this transformation of regional identity, c) and how the transformation will impact the region at: short-term, medium-term and long-term basis.