Since the end of the Cold War, an idea has been dominant in explaining the tensions of the world: that of a clash between civilizations. This idea was popularized by the American Samuel Huntington, suggesting that conflicts are no longer ideological or territorial, but rather cultural, religious, almost identity-based.
The view of the Middle East is particularly interesting as we witness the gradual disintegration of the major poles of contemporary Arab-Muslim civilization represented by Iraq, Syria, and potentially Egypt. Some describe this disintegration as one of the major geopolitical tragedies of the 21st century. Where once the first city-states, codified law, and founding empires were born, we now witness an unprecedented fragmentation that challenges the sustainability of these cradles of humanity. Alongside the disintegration, there is also an escalation. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the Israeli response, the fire has not ceased in the Middle East. Almost total destruction of Gaza. Now Southern Lebanon, along with the Israeli-American attack on Iran. This situation is closely monitored by Turkey, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023 and whose civilizational narrative is particularly developed. Civilizational paradigms are on the rise worldwide, with increased competition for hegemonic power. Nostalgia for the empire. Criticism of modernity.
Broadcast in partnership with INALCO, the National Institute of Languages and Oriental Civilizations and its DECRIPT program focusing on the transformations of the international system and the political and institutional effects of these civilizational narratives that have emerged on the world stage.
Invited guests: – Sophia Mahroug, associate professor at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, specializing in contemporary Iran and the Revolutionary Guards. – Laetitia Bucaille, professor of political sociology at INALCO, researcher at the Center for Studies on African, American, and Asian worlds, and senior member of the University Institute of France. Her latest book “Gaza, what future?” in the Essay collection from Stock. – Jan-Markus Vämel, historian. Specialist in modern Turkey and specifically Turkish Islamism. Postdoctoral researcher on the Near and Middle East from the DECRIPT research program at INALCO.
