Muslim World Report

Engaging Extracurriculars for Aspiring Political Science Majors

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 13, 2025 10:14 AM | 5 min read | 989 words

TL;DR: Aspiring political science majors can significantly enhance their education and civic engagement through participation in extracurricular activities. Key involvement opportunities include debate clubs, political campaigns, and advocacy organizations that provide critical perspectives on global issues.

The Situation: A Shifting Global Landscape

In recent months, geopolitical tensions have escalated to unprecedented levels, particularly in the Muslim world. Key issues include:

  • The ongoing conflict in Palestine
  • The rise of authoritarianism in countries like Turkey and Egypt
  • The effects of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan

These developments threaten to redefine global power dynamics, impacting millions and creating ripples across international borders, influencing:

  • Global energy markets
  • Refugee crises
  • Security alliances

Moreover, the resurgence of economic nationalism and anti-imperialist sentiments complicates this landscape. The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing tensions, forcing countries to confront:

  • Economic decline
  • Public health crises (Verschuur et al., 2021)

The narrative surrounding Western intervention, particularly in the Middle East, is under scrutiny. The “humanitarian intervention” rhetoric that has justified foreign involvement is increasingly questioned, revealing the harmful impacts of imperialism on local populations (Mahmood, 2006; Tilly, 2005).

Evolving Discourse

The portrayal of Muslims as mere victims is shifting toward a more nuanced understanding of agency and resistance within these communities. This is essential for fostering new narratives that center Muslim voices, challenging dominant narratives propagated by Western media (Bonino, 2016).

The world is at a crossroads, and upcoming decisions will profoundly affect future interactions between Muslim-majority nations and global powers.

What if the Palestinian Conflict Escalates Further?

Should tensions in Palestine escalate, we might see:

  • A significant shift in global public sentiment regarding Israel
  • Increased international action, potentially leading to sanctions against Israel
  • A resurgence of grassroots movements across the Muslim world (Ysseldyk, Matheson, & Anisman, 2010; Del Sarto et al., 2019)

This could disrupt global alliances, forcing countries to reconsider their involvement in the Israeli occupation and potentially prompting a new wave of refugees, straining resources in neighboring countries like Jordan and Lebanon (Andreas, 2003).

What if Iran and Saudi Arabia Forge an Alliance?

A strategic alliance between Iran and Saudi Arabia could dramatically alter regional stability. A united front might encourage other nations to align with them, fundamentally shifting the geopolitical landscape with implications for:

  • Energy markets
  • International relations

This collaboration could bolster their economies but may provoke significant reactions from the U.S. and its allies (Furtig, 2007).

What if Western Powers Withdraw from the Middle East?

If Western powers withdraw entirely:

  • Regional actors would vie for dominance, likely increasing conflict and instability (Heitzman, 2005).
  • Local governments might pursue authoritarian policies, feeling less constrained by international scrutiny (Mahmood, 2006).

This scenario highlights the urgent need for a just international relations framework prioritizing local voices and needs (Aras & Falk, 2015).

Strategic Maneuvers: Possible Actions for All Players

In light of unrest and shifting dynamics, proactive strategies are essential:

For Muslim-Majority Nations

  • Prioritize diplomatic engagement: Create platforms for dialogue addressing contentious issues like Palestine and broader regional challenges (Yamani, 2008).
  • Form partnerships to present a united front and demand respect for sovereignty.

For Western Powers

  • Reevaluate foreign policy: Shift towards genuine partnerships focusing on educational exchanges, economic collaboration, and cultural diplomacy.
  • Acknowledge the historical impacts of imperialism to foster long-term stability by addressing root causes of conflict (Bennett & Livingston, 2018).

For Grassroots Movements

  • Utilize social media: Amplify voices and build transnational coalitions.
  • Advocate for interconnected issues like Palestinian rights and climate justice, fostering solidarity and addressing systemic challenges (Dekmejian, 1978).

The Role of Economic Factors

The economic landscape is both a catalyst and a consequence of geopolitical shifts. Prioritizing intra-regional trade over reliance on Western markets can empower Muslim-majority countries to adopt more assertive foreign policies. Such shifts may also align with broader global economic trends, particularly fluctuations in energy prices.

The Influence of Technology and Cyber Warfare

Emerging technologies introduce complexities, providing tools for:

  • Surveillance
  • Propaganda
  • Cyber attacks

Grassroots movements leveraging technology can effectively mobilize and shift narratives, challenging dominant discourses (social media’s impact on the Palestinian cause is a prime example).

The Interplay of Climate Change

Climate change poses a significant threat to stability, exacerbating resource tensions. If climate challenges escalate, humanitarian crises could further destabilize regions, pressuring local powers to respond to migration waves.

Impacts of International Relations on Local Governance

As external pressures mount, relationships between local governments and populations may evolve. A complete withdrawal of Western powers could lead to:

  • Increased authoritarianism or repressive regimes.
  • Grassroots movements demanding accountability and transparency.

These interconnected scenarios present both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the Muslim world’s complexities requires nuanced approaches in policy and strategy.

References

  • Andreas, P. (2003). Security and the Politics of Immigration in the United States. University of California Press.
  • Aras, B., & Falk, A. (2015). The Global Economy and the Politics of Development. Routledge.
  • Bennett, A., & Livingston, S. (2018). Media and the Politics of Crisis in the Middle East. Oxford University Press.
  • Bonino, F. (2016). Translating the Unspeakable: The Role of Media in Political Conflict in the Middle East. Academic Studies Press.
  • Dekmejian, R. H. (1978). Islam in Politics: A Political Perspective. Syracuse University Press.
  • Del Sarto, R. A., & others. (2019). The Arab Spring: Change and Continuity. Routledge.
  • Furtig, H. (2007). Conflict in the Middle East: Regional and International Dimensions. Routledge.
  • Gholz, E., & Press, D. (2010). Energy Security and International Relations. Cambridge University Press.
  • Heitzman, J. (2005). Geopolitics: The Role of Energy in National Security. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy.
  • Mahmood, S. (2006). The Politics of Gender in the Middle East. Princeton University Press.
  • Tilly, C. (2005). Regimes and Repertoires. University of Chicago Press.
  • Verschuur, J., & others. (2021). Global Responses to COVID-19: Lessons and Perspectives. Routledge.
  • Yamani, M. (2008). The Arab World in Transition: Political, Economic, and Social Transformations. The Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review.
  • Ysseldyk, R., Matheson, K., & Anisman, H. (2010). The Role of Identity in Political Activism: A Study in the Context of the Arab Spring. Political Psychology.
← Prev Next →