Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
Seminar

Why Arab States Fear Islamist Regimes: Threat Perception and Soft Power Politics

Open to the Public

The Islamist regimes that seized power in Sudan (1989), Afghanistan (1996), and Iran (1979) did not have significant military capabilities when they came to power, and in some cases never achieved it. Yet these Islamist regimes were regarded by neighboring states, including Muslim-majority countries, as serious national security threats. Using comparative case studies of Egyptian and Saudi Arabian responses to the rise of Islamist regimes in Sudan and Iran, this project examines why Arab states regard Islamist regimes with limited military capabilities as threats to their security and analyzes how this threat perception affects domestic and international politics.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.

Date: Time: - Location: Taubman Building - Allison Dining Room, 5th Floor
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami (R) shakes hands with Saudi Arabian Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz (L) in Tehran, Apr. 17, 2001. Iran's relations with its Gulf neighbors improved significantly since moderate cleric Khatami was elected.

About

The Islamist regimes that seized power in Sudan (1989), Afghanistan (1996), and Iran (1979) did not have significant military capabilities when they came to power, and in some cases never achieved it. Yet these Islamist regimes were regarded by neighboring states, including Muslim-majority countries, as serious national security threats. Using comparative case studies of Egyptian and Saudi Arabian responses to the rise of Islamist regimes in Sudan and Iran, this project examines why Arab states regard Islamist regimes with limited military capabilities as threats to their security and analyzes how this threat perception affects domestic and international politics.

This seminar is co-sponsored by the Dubai Initiative.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.