Cities in the 21st century are increasingly characterized by alienated populations, overtaxed infrastructure, social fragmentation and an overemphasis on economic growth at the expense of human development. Effective urban planning should focus more on improving the livability of public spaces and less on impressive architecture for its own sake.

Dr. Ilahi presented the results of a IMF working paper co-authored with Riham Shendy which examines whether the oil-driven cycle in the GCC countries spills over to growth in the non-oil economies in the region. The findings indicate that growth of real GDP in regional countries is strongly associated with that of remittance outflows from and the accumulation of financial surpluses in the GCC.

In this lecture, Dr. Jamal discussed how political settlements shaped the impact of Western donor assistance and resulted in different civil society outcomes in the Palestinian territories and El Salvador. The presentation concluded with a number of policy recommendations pertaining to Western democracy promotion efforts in the region, including gender empowerment programs. The lecture was based on her book manuscript, which is currently under preparation

Afshin Molavi shared his thoughts and impressions on the changes that Dubai has undergone over the past couple of years and the implications for the rest of the Arab region. Much of the discussion centered on whether Dubai was a unique model, and the elements which can/may be implemented elsewhere in the Arab world. Developments in relations between Iran and the GCC, as well as Iran’s volatile relationship with the United States, were also examined.

Presenting the findings of polls undertaken in several Arab countries, Michael Robbins compared levels of support for “secular democracy,” “Islamic democracy,” “secular authoritarianism” and “Islamic authoritarianism.” The study questioned some of the prevailing polling techniques, in turn shedding light on some of the assumptions and conclusions that have been previously been drawn on support for democracy and political Islam in the past.

Using a seven point intellectual framework, Rischard’s presentation illustrated how countries can and do rethink their future in more ambitious, mind changing ways. The underlying premise of Rischard’s argument was that knowledge-based economies, with their ability to attract and utilize talent and access information are more likely to succeed in the future. As Rishchard identified Dubai as one of the cities that had successfully made the transition to a knowledge-based economy, much of the discussion centered around the possibility of other cities – both within and outside the UAE – making a similar transition.

Drawing from a study he conducted in Pakistan, Dr. Asim examined the health, social and psychological impact of Haj. The results of the study concluded that individuals who had completed the Haj were more likely to suffer from health problems. Amongst females, there was a noted increase in the level of stress after completion of the Haj. Discussion focused on possible explanations for the fascinating results that emerged from the study and the feasibility of conducting similar study(s) in Arab countries.

Showing that the center of gravity in the Arab world has been steadily drifting east from Cairo since 1967, Dr. Jones argued that it now resides in the Gulf states. Dr. Jones also contended the notion that the “small” Gulf states are artificial constructs. Rather, this notion is a misconception of the extreme cosmopolitanism that prevails in these states – most notably in Dubai – and which is a requisite for the future. In this respect, many of these states and cities were globalised before the idea of the globalization was even being discussed.

Dr. Maghraoui’s presentation examined the challenges associated with democratic transition in the Arab world. Primarily concerned with the countries of North Africa, Dr. Magharoui argued that Islamists are the primary political contenders to governments in the region. Strengthening structures and institutions is thus key to ensuring the smooth transition to democracy in the Arab world.

Within the framework of US domestic politics and dynamics, Dr. Aftandilian presented the policy options facing the American administration for Iraq. The session concluded with a debate on the policy implications of the situation on Iraq for neighboring Arab countries and the different scenarios that may ensue.

Arguing that the current stalemate in global governance reform can only be overcome by incorporating regional players, Dr. Linn shared his insights as to the dynamics and challenges facing existing institutions and the practical considerations associated with including Asian networks and players. Questions centered on the role of Arab countries on the global arena, and the plausibility of the emergence of south-south/ Asian blocs and networks to contend traditional institutional models and arrangements.

Ms. Fore provided a brief overview of the latest trends in public administration as they are being applied in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of innovation, Fore discussed amongst other things, such as the turn to outsourcing within government agencies for increased efficiency, the development of public-private partnerships, and administrative processing and simplification.

Over the past decade, there has been a blossoming of relations between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China. This presentation highlighted some of the tensions that have traditionally limited relations, and existing initiatives to address these issues. The presentation also highlighted the strategic significance of strengthening ties between these two forces.