Abstract

Concepts of security, conflict and war lie at the heart of the international relations discipline. These concepts have gained tremendous attention either by the end of the Cold War or after the attacks of 9/11 on the United States. This thesis examines the various theories of security in the literature and demonstrates the importance of the region as a crucial level of analysis in International Relations. The primary objective of this thesis is to explore security structures in the Middle East. This region, which is known for its paramount security problems, has long been an area of conflict and turbulence. Since 1948, the region has been witnessing an average of a war every ten years, and since 1975, two wars every ten years, if civil wars are counted. Similarly, on the strategic level, the Middle East is one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world with the highest rate of arms purchase, which aggravates its acute security dilemma. The result of this study highlights the importance of studying security characteristics of the Middle East states, which is totally different from the developed countries' security agenda in general, and other developing countries in particular. The conclusion contends that the "multidimensional" security problems of the Middle East region can not be easily understood through one theory. Rather a blend of theories or "amalgamated theories" only can offer a plausible and adequate explanation for understanding the security complexities of the Middle East. This can also help in achieving a "security community" in the region, which is of great importance nowadays due to the great challenges imposed on the region either externally or internally.

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Date of Award

2-1-2004

Online Submission Date

1-1-2003

First Advisor

Walid Kazziha

Committee Member 1

Walid Kazziha

Committee Member 2

Emad El-Din Shahin

Committee Member 3

Ejaz Akram

Document Type

Thesis

Extent

163 leaves

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

National security

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Security, International

Rights

The American University in Cairo grants authors of theses and dissertations a maximum embargo period of two years from the date of submission, upon request. After the embargo elapses, these documents are made available publicly. If you are the author of this thesis or dissertation, and would like to request an exceptional extension of the embargo period, please write to thesisadmin@aucegypt.edu

Call Number

Thesis 2003/64

Location

mgfth

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