Studying Political Behavior in the Middle East and North Africa: Like, Share, or Scroll Past?

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Session Description

Can we effectively study political behavior in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and does it still hold importance? This roundtable discussion will examine the relevance and significance of studying political behavior in the MENA region, with a central focus on its connection to democratic backsliding. As the MENA region has been undergoing transformative socio-political changes, the roundtable seeks to address whether traditional paradigms of political behavior remain relevant or if new frameworks are required to capture the nuances of contemporary political dynamics. The discussion will explore the dynamic landscape of political engagement and the different ways in which political behavior contribute to—or counter—the challenges of democratic backsliding. It will delve into the multifaceted factors that shape political behavior in the MENA region, paying special attention to the effects of regime types, state formations, political currents, and societal norms on the democratic processes in the region. In carrying out this discussion, invited scholars are encouraged to reflect on the following questions:

• In what ways do traditional paradigms of studying political behavior in the MENA region fall short in capturing the nuances of contemporary dynamics?
• Can new frameworks for studying political behavior offer a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving nature of political engagement in the MENA region?
• To what extent do prevailing political frameworks in the MENA region adequately consider and address gender-specific nuances in political behavior?
• Are there unique regional variations within the MENA context that necessitate different approaches when studying political behavior?
• How have gender norms historically influenced political behavior in the MENA region, and what shifts or continuities have been observed over time?
• To what extent do historical legacies and memories impact contemporary political behavior in the MENA region?
• In what ways can interdisciplinary approaches enrich our understanding of political behavior, considering the multifaceted factors at play?

Sub Unit

• Panels

Chairs

• Ahmed Morsy APSN

• Nermin Allam Rutgers University

Presenters

• Melani Cammett Harvard University

• Amaney Jamal Princeton University

• Ammar Shamaileh Doha Institute for Graduate Studies

• Youssef Chouhoud Christopher Newport University