Political Science in the Arab World

Authors

  • Author

  • Abdelwahab El-Affendi

Keywords:

Political Science, Arab World, Academic Community, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies

Abstract

This study emphasizes the importance of assessing the state of political science within Arab academic institutions. It posits that the humanities and social sciences, particularly political science, play a pivotal role in the advancement of any society. Pedagogical experience at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, as well as the studies and seminars organized by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, have demonstrated that there is a gap in our knowledge on this subject – as well as a need to evaluate the output of Arab universities and the extent to which they are equipping students to engage with the political sciences to a world standard. Drawing on observations from both the Arab region and beyond, the study examines the multifaceted crisis affecting education and research in this field. This crisis stems from the relatively recent introduction of political science in the Arab World, a failure to keep up with international developments in the field, and the political, economic, social, and structural obstacles that have prevented it from achieving its broader objectives. The study argues that the primary obstacle to the success of political science in the region is the absence of an Arab academic community.

References

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