MESG Program 2019-2020

Middle East Study Group (MESG)

Research Seminar

Thursday 14 November 2019, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Lecture Room 9, Wilberforce Building

How the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Can be Resolved?

Professor Raphael Cohen-Almagor

Director, MESG

The Israeli Palestinian conflict is about two peoples who have justified claims over the same small piece of land. Peace is vital for both Israel and Palestine. In this lecture, I survey some of the possible proposals to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:

n (1) Decide Not to Decide: Maintaining the so-called Status Quo;

n (2) Palestinian Autonomy;

n (3) Exclusionary solutions;

n (4) “State of All Its Citizens”;

n (5) Confederations;

n (6) Three-state solution;

n (7) No state solution;

n (8) Two-State Solution.   

The lecture analyses each and every option and assess its feasibility.

Raphael Cohen-Almagor received his DPhil in political theory from Oxford University (1992). He is Professor/Chair in Politics, Founding Director of the Middle East Study Group, University of Hull, and the 2019 Distinguished Visiting Professor, Faculty of Laws, University College London (UCL). He held teaching positions in other universities, including Oxford, Jerusalem, Haifa, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and Nirma University (India). In 2007-2008, he was Senior Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Raphael has published 17 books and more than 250 papers in the fields of politics, media, philosophy, law and ethics. Among his books are Speech, Media and Ethics (2005), The Scope of Tolerance (2006), and Confronting the Internet's Dark Side (2015). He is now writing two books: Just, Reasonable Multiculturalism, and From Oslo to Jerusalem. Both are under contract with Cambridge University Press).

Date:             Wednesday 14 November 2019, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue:          Lecture Room 9, Wilberforce Building

All welcome.

Middle East Study Group (MESG)

Research Seminar

Wednesday 4 December 2019, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Understanding Libya’s Political and Armed Crisis - Its Regional and International Ramifications

Dr Bashir Alzawawi

MESG, FBLP

The Aim of this presentation is to explain the current situation of the armed and political crisis in Libya. Libya has been the theatre of a political and armed crisis since the fall of Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. Unlike its neighbouring states, Egypt and Tunisia, the Libyan version of the Arab Spring was violent. It turned the country to a failed state. Continued use of violence led to the collapse of state’s power and to a dysfunctional, corrupt economy and fragmented sovereign institutions. In 2014, the Islamic State took advantage of the fragmented environment to establish its largest stronghold outside Syria and Iraq. Furthermore, Libya became the largest hub for trafficking illegal migrants.

This talk sheds light on the current situation, and on how political violence was fuelled and deepened by regional and international rivalry between various international powers. The paper calls upon the European Union and world powers to act swiftly, transparently and decisively to prevent further collapse of Libya. Abandoning this struggling country will create a space for others to exploit the situation and to harm Europe.  

Dr Bashir Alzawawi, a recent PhD graduate with a PhD in Management from the University of Hull Business School. His PhD title is: Organisational Change from the perspectives of translation: A case study of transformation in the Libyan Banking System.

Prior to obtaining a doctoral degree, Bashir worked as a banker in Libya for 8 years. Between 2003-2005 he studied Master in Business Management at the University of Misurata in Libya. Two years later was appointed as an assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Politics and Economic Sciences. The uprising in 2011 was a turning point in his interest in Libya’s and also international politics. He became a political analyst, contributing to local and international discussion about Libya’ socio-political and economic affairs. His comments incorporated into some media discussion platforms including the BBC, Humber on illegal migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe. Dr Alzawawi is frequently invited to provide media commentary on Libya’s political and armed conflict, and on Libya’s religious groups.

Date:             Wednesday 4 December 2019, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue:          Lecture Room 9, Wilberforce Building

All are welcome to attend.

Middle East Study Group

Research Seminar

Wednesday 5 February 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Lecture Theatre 29, Wilberforce Building

Kings Saul, David, and Arthur:             On Writing a History of the 'Dark Age'

Professor Lester Grabbe

Emeritus Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism

MESG, University of Hull, UK

Abstract

One of our problems in writing the early history of ancient Israel is that the period of its beginnings is essentially a "Dark Age". Yet this is hardly the only period of history known as the "Dark Age"; another well-known one is the period of two centuries or so after the Romans left the British Isles. It is during this period that King Arthur is placed. This essay will attempt to work out principles for writing a history of Israel's Dark Age by looking at the historiographic problems and their proposed solutions arising from the British Dark Age and, especially, the historicity of King Arthur. What we find with the story of King Arthur is that eventually a detailed and full history not only of his exploits but those of the “Knights of the Round Table” developed, a story well satirized in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But to what extent did that story represent the “historical King Arthur”? Was there a King Arthur? Was there a King David? Or was David and his “Mighty Men” and Arthur and his “Knights of the Round Table” merely pieces of inspired and creative fiction? The emphasis of the talk will be on examining the process of reconstruction that historians engage in.

Biography

Lester L. Grabbe is Emeritus Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism at the University. His main interest is in the history of ancient Israel and the Jews of the Second Temple period. He founded the European Seminar on Methodology in Israel’s History, and published the proceedings in the sub-series European Seminar in Historical Methodology (Bloomsbury T & T Clark), a total of eleven volumes, each of which not only contained the collected papers but also an introduction, summary of the papers, and a discussion of the debate. He has written a history of ancient Israel: Ancient Israel: What Do We Know and How Do We Know It? (including a 2nd edition in 2017). He is currently working on a history of Second Temple Judaism (from about 600 BCE to 150 of the Common Era) - a period of over 700 years. Two volumes of this have appeared, on the Persian period and the early Hellenistic period. A third volume is in the press (due out in early 2020), on the Maccabees, the Hasmonaean Kingdom, and Herod the Great. The fourth and final volume is in preparation (on the Roman period up to the Bar-Kokhva Revolt) and to be submitted to the press shortly. He has authored more than 15 scholarly books and 150 articles, and continues to be active in scholarship.  

Date:              Wednesday 5 February 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue:           Lecture Theatre 29, Wilberforce Building

All are welcome to attend.

Middle East Study Group

Research Seminar

Wednesday 4 March 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Lecture Room 14, Wilberforce Building

Makarios’ 13 Points: The Constitution of Cyprus

Professor Jo Carby-Hall

Director of International Legal Research in the Centre for Legislative Studies

University of Hull, UK

Abstract

The paper will deal primarily with the legal perspectives of the 1960 Cyprus Constitution while the political aspects will feature briefly. It examines the short lived and original 1960 constitution in accordance with the Zurich Agreement 1959 and the London Treaty, 1959 and focuses on Makarios' unilaterally imposed 13 Points, namely: (i) the abandonment of the President's and Vice-President's right to veto; (ii) deputising for the President; (iii) election of President of the House of Representatives; (iv) President and Vice President to be elected by the House as a whole; (v) establishment of unified municipalities. (vi) laws relating to taxation, municipalities and elections, (vii) unification of administration of justice; (viii) abolition of a body; (ix) security forces; (x) public service; (xi) public service commission; (xii) majority; (xiii) religion, cultural affairs, education, personal status.

The paper concludes with observations on the social and political consequences of the rejection of the 13 points by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots and on the rule of law in Cyprus.  

Biography

As Director of International Legal Research in the Centre for Legislative Studies, Professor Jo Carby-Hall coordinates research and publication programmes and collaboration agreements worldwide. He is an acknowledged authority on British, European and international social law and Maritime Law. His works have been translated into eight languages. He is legal adviser to national and international organisations and governments. In recognition for his work in Poland, he was awarded three State Orders from various Presidents. He also received a British State Order from H.M The Queen. He is Honorary Consul at the Consulate of the Republic of Poland and its Branch for Scientific and Educational Co-operation.

Date:              Wednesday 4 March 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue:           Lecture Room 14, Wilberforce Building

All are welcome to attend.

The Middle East Study Group Annual Lecture

Wednesday 25 March 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Lecture Theatre 27, Wilberforce Building

Climate Change and its Impacts in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME)

Professor David J. Drewry

Non-Executive Director, UK Commission for UNESCO

Former Vice Chancellor; MESG, University of Hull

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the rapidly changing climate of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME), outlining its principal characteristics and focusing on the likely impacts on the environment, its populations and economic activity.

The narrative of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been consistent for three decades that there is rapid warming of the planet with impacts on natural systems and human society. The effects are geographically variable with some regions experiencing already severe environmental stresses. One with high levels of climate vulnerability is the EMME. It is characterised by high population density, high population growth, the rapid spread of urbanization, scarce water resources, faltering agriculture, declining fisheries in addition to substantial societal and economical transitions and armed conflicts in some countries. These factors make the region one of very high risk from the consequences of rapid climate change.

Across this region, it is expected that summer temperatures will rise by 3-5oC by mid-Century (i.e. 2040-69) with the greatest warming in the NE Mediterranean. This will result in increased evaporation and decreasing soil moisture with impacts for water retention and agriculture. There will also be an upswing in heat-waves amplified in densely populated urban environments. The effects on human health is likely to be severe. Maximum temperatures of 40oC today may increase to 43oC by 2050.

The paper discusses the likely impacts on the region and beyond, examining measures that EMME nations have undertaken for mitigation and adaptation.

Biography

David Drewry served as Vice-Chancellor of Hull University (1999-2009). He is Honorary Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he holds a Doctorate in Geophysics, and where he was previously Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute. He has honorary professorships at London University and Xiamen University, China. David is Trustee Emeritus of the Natural History Museum, was previously Director of the British Antarctic Survey, Vice-President of the European University Association and a member of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. David has been awarded the Patron’s Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society, the Prix de la Belgica Gold Medal of the Royal Academy of Belgium, the Polar Medal, the United States Antarctic Service Medal and several honorary degrees and awards from British and overseas universities. He has a mountain and a glacier named after him in Antarctica.

Date:              Wednesday 25 March 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue:           Lecture Theatre 27, Wilberforce Building

All are welcome to attend.

Middle East Study Group

Research Seminar

Wednesday 15 April 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Lecture Room 14, Wilberforce Building

Gandhi and Israel

Professor Lord Bhikhu Parekh

Emeritus Professor of Political Philosophy; MESG

Abstract

Mahatma Gandhi had close Jewish friends and was deeply concerned about the suffering of the Jewish people in Germany and elsewhere. His views on the creation of Israel are particularly important because of his concern for both the Jews and Arabs. In this lecture I shall discuss Gandhi’s views in some detail. 

Biography

Educated at the Universities of Bombay and London, Lord Bhikhu Parekh is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and of the Academy of the Learned Societies for Social Sciences and a Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Westminster. He is Emeritus Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Hull where he began to teach in 1964. He was Deputy Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality from 1985 to 1990, and chaired the Commission on the Future of Multi-Ethnic Britain, whose report (the Parekh Report) was published in 2000. He has also authored ten widely acclaimed books on political philosophy which have been translated into 15 languages.

Lord Parekh’s main academic interests include political philosophy, the history of political thought, social theory, ancient and modern Indian political thought, and the philosophy of ethnic relations.

He has received many awards throughout his career including the Distinguished Global Thinker Award by the India International Centre Delhi (2006) and the Padma Bhushan honours in the 2007 Indian Republic Day Honours list.

Date:              Wednesday 15 April 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue:           Lecture Room 14, Wilberforce Building

All are welcome to attend.

The Middle East Study Group

Middle East Study Group

Research Seminar

Wednesday 22 April 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Lecture Room 09, Wilberforce Building

The Making of Alliance: The Origins of Israel-US Special Relations

Professor David Tal

Yossi Harel Chair in Modern Israel Studies

University of Sussex, UK

Abstract

In December 1962, President John F. Kennedy told Israel’s foreign minister, Golda Meir, that “the United States has a special relationship with Israel in the Middle East comparable only to that which it has with Britain.” While agreeing that indeed, the Israeli-American relations could be labeled as ‘special,’ most students of American-Israeli relations marked the 1967 war as the turning point in the American-Israeli relationship. Israel’s astonishing victory made it, so went the argument, a valuable ally to the United States. However, the toots of the Israeli-American special relationship are to be found much earlier. Religion, values, and history are in the heart of the American-Israeli relationship, and they decided the nature and direction of the relationship from the inception of the Zionist movement in the United States.

The lecture will explore how those premises created, on the one hand, strong commitment on the part of the United States to help the Zionist movement and Israel to achieve their aspirations and to secure their existence, and on the other hand, made American presidents and administrations receptive to Zionist and Israeli statesmen and diplomats, and allowed the creation of constant dialogue between Americans and Zionists and Israelis.

Biography

Professor David Tal is the Yossi Harel Chair in Modern Israel Studies at the University of Sussex. Professor Tal got his Ph.D. from the Tel Aviv University in 1995. He had taught at Tel Aviv University and was a visiting professor at Emory University and Syracuse University. In 2009 he was appointed as Kahanoff Chair in Israel Studies at the University of Calgary, Canada, and was the head of the Israel Program there. Professor Tal was a NATO research fellow (2000-2002), INSCT research fellow (Syracuse University, 2008-2013) and Daniel Abraham Center for International and Regional Studies research fellow (2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2019-2020). Professor Tal specialized in Israel’s military and diplomatic history and US nuclear disarmament policy. He authored four books and edited two. His most recent authored book is US Strategic Arms Policy in the Cold War: Negotiation and Confrontation over SALT, 1969-79, (London: Routledge, 2017). He published more than 40 articles and book chapters in the major journals pertinent to Israel’s military and diplomatic history and US foreign policy. His present project is the history of US-Israel special relationship from the early 20th century to the present. Cambridge University Press will publish the book.

Date:              Wednesday 22 April 2020, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue:           Lecture Room 09, Wilberforce Building

All are welcome to attend.