Vol. 4, Issue 3, Sept. 2017

Table of Contents and Abstracts

1) Dateline MEI By P.R. Kumaraswamy; pp. 233-234 Read More

2) Fragile State in Iraq and Women Security By Elaheh Koolaee, Ziba Akbari; pp. 235–253

Abstract: After the Cold War and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the term “fragile states” has gained increasing prominence in security debates and the international community turned its attention to how to deal with such countries. These security concerns originate from several factors: emphasis on building peace and security, spread of this idea that development and security are related, and the principle that the stability of state plays an influential role in its development. The term “fragile state” refers to weak states that are vulnerable to internal and external threats and have a poor government that is incapable of managing internal affairs and external policy. In this regard, Iraq was considered as a fragile state after 2003, and its stability has been evaluated poor since ever. The present study employed indices of fragile state and human security in order to investigate the effect of Iraq’s fragile state on development of threats to women security. Violation of human security in Iraq after 2003 was caused by failure in nation state-building process and weakness of Iraqi government in maintaining societal order and unity. Therefore, the main question that the present study aims to address is: “How has women security been threatened by Iraq’s crisis and its fragile state?” Read More

3) Challenges to Democratization Process in Algeria By Arshad; pp. 254–277

Abstract: The democratization process in Algeria was marked by the de-militarization efforts when Abdel Aziz Bouteflika was elected president in 1999. Gradually, democratization became an instrument to perpetuate his power against the entrenched interests of country’s Le Pouvior, which is comprised of the retired generals, politicians, and other influential leaders. The continuous struggle among Le Pouvoir for a share of natural resources has created a political and economic vacuum which led to the stalling of the democratization process. This article shall analyze this struggle and its impact on the democratization process in Algeria. Read More

4) An Analysis of Personal Financial Literacy among Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates By Amjad Khan Suri, Sonal Purohit; pp. 278–296

Abstract: This study investigates 389 expatriates in the UAE to examine their financial literacy level, relationship between the financial literacy and demographic characteristics. A questionnaire was used to study the financial literacy of expatriates from Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. The findings reveal that the financial literacy of expatriates is low, with an average answering only 52 per cent of the questions correctly. The low level of knowledge would limit their ability to make informed decisions. The study finds age, marital status, gender, country of origin, income, experience, education, employment status, work place activity, and household situation influence financial literacy and hence calls for initiatives to improve financial literacy among expatriates and for further research in this direction. Read More

5) Parliamentary Election in Jordan, 2016 By Manjari Singh; pp. 297–318

Abstract: The 18th Jordanian parliamentary election held on 20 September 2016 was unique in two respects: one, the Islamic Action Front (IAF) participated in it after boycotting two previous elections (2010 and 2013); and two, demand for economic and political reforms emerged as the most important issue cutting across ideological and political divides. The election was also a reflection of Jordan’s social and political complexities and its extraordinary demography and identity-based politics. The electoral process was largely recognized as free and fair, a significant accomplishment in a region where elections are nothing more than a legitimizing exercise for the regimes. Intense pre-election debates, enthusiastic participation of women and minorities, and transparency came against the backdrop of low voter turnout of 36 percent thereby underlining the challenges facing democratization in Jordan. Read More

6) The Turkish Referendum, 2017 By Md Muddassir Quamar; pp. 319–327

Abstract: The Turkish referendum has exposed the fault lines of the Turkish polity pitching the ruling Islamist AKP and its new-found ally MHP against the Kemalist CHP and pro-Kurdish HDP. The sharp divisions in the run up to the referendum was reflected in the results that registered a narrow victory margin for the “Yes” vote. The victory effectively means that Turkey would be shifting to a presidential form of government from 2019. It is not just the transition from one form to another but the way in which the process has been pursued and the overwhelming powers the amendment enjoins in one man that has alarmed many leading observers who fear Turkey sliding to autocracy. Read More

7) Book Review: Agata Schindler (2016). A Tiny Teardrop: The Devastating Impact of Nazism on the Lives of Musicians in Central Europe (1933–1945) By Shalva Weil; pp328-331 Read More