INTA Final Flashcards
(114 cards)
1
Q
What sparked the Tunisian Revolution?
A
The self-immolation of Muhammad Bouazizi on December 17, 2010.
2
Q
What were the main demands of the Tunisian protesters?
A
- Freedom of speech
- Free press
- Right to protest
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of expression
3
Q
Who was the president of Tunisia before the revolution?
A
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
4
Q
What was the political state of Tunisia under Ben Ali?
A
It was mostly a one-party state controlled by the Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD).
5
Q
What social class primarily initiated the Tunisian uprising?
A
Mainly the middle/lower class.
6
Q
What was the role of social media in the Tunisian Revolution?
A
It facilitated and accelerated the revolutionary process, serving as a sign of organizational power.
7
Q
True or False: The uprising in Tunisia was led by a specific ideology.
A
False.
8
Q
What were the characteristics of the protesters in Tunisia?
A
- All ages
- Both genders
- Various social classes
- Rural and urban backgrounds
- Predominantly youths with formal education
9
Q
What is another term used to refer to the Arab Spring?
A
Dignity uprisings.
10
Q
What was a significant environmental concern during the Gezi uprisings in Turkey?
A
Global warming.
11
Q
What percentage of protesters in Turkey were youths?
A
39%.
12
Q
Who is the founder of Al Qaeda?
A
Osama Bin Laden.
13
Q
What ideology is Al Qaeda associated with?
A
Wahhabism.
14
Q
Fill in the blank: Al-Qaeda literally means _______.
A
base/foundation/pillar/home of something.
15
Q
What was the original name of Al Qaeda?
A
It was called the Islamic Salvation Front at first.
16
Q
What was the main objective of Abdallah Azzam regarding Al Qaeda?
A
To serve as a base for individuals that would bring about great change.
17
Q
What event allowed Zarqawi to establish Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI)?
A
The US invasion of Iraq.
18
Q
What was the strategy difference between Al Qaeda and ISIS?
A
Al Qaeda never stayed in the lands they attacked, whereas ISIS remained and expanded.
19
Q
What significant territory was recaptured by Kurdish fighters in 2015?
A
Kobane.
20
Q
What was the fate of Palmyra under ISIS control?
A
It was ransacked and demolished.
21
Q
What was the impact of the Syrian civil war on ISIS?
A
It began after the US withdrawal in 2011, providing an opportunity for ISIS to consolidate power.
22
Q
Who were the Sahwa forces?
A
Special US forces created to combat ISIS.
23
Q
What happened to the Sunni population under ISIS rule?
A
Sunnis were seen as ‘non-Muslim’ if they did not follow ISIS’s radical ideas.
24
Q
What was a major consequence of Saddam Hussein’s regime for ISIS?
A
The oppression of Shias, which led to Shia retaliation and the rise of ISIS.
25
What is the main thesis of Samuel Huntington's 'Clash of Civilizations'?
The main thesis is that future conflicts will be between cultural and religious identities rather than ideological or political ones.
26
True or False: Huntington argues that the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War world will be between nations.
False
27
Fill in the blank: Huntington identifies _____ major civilizations in his theory.
nine
28
Which civilization does Huntington consider to be the most dominant in the modern world?
Western civilization
29
Multiple Choice: According to Huntington, which of the following civilizations is characterized by Islamic culture?
Islamic civilization
30
What role does religion play in Huntington's theory?
Religion is a key factor in defining civilizations and influencing conflicts.
31
True or False: Huntington believes that economic factors are the primary drivers of conflict.
False
32
Short Answer: Name one of the civilizations Huntington identifies as being in conflict with the West.
Islamic civilization or Confucian civilization
33
What is the significance of the term 'fault lines' in Huntington's theory?
Fault lines refer to the cultural boundaries where different civilizations meet and may experience conflict.
34
Multiple Choice: In Huntington's view, which civilization is likely to align with the West?
Latin American civilization
35
Who is the author of the book 'Orientalism'?
Edward Said
36
What year was 'Orientalism' published?
1978
37
True or False: Orientalism refers to the study of Eastern cultures by Western scholars.
True
38
Fill in the blank: Edward Said argues that Orientalism is a way for the West to create a __________ of the East.
stereotype
39
What does Edward Said argue is a consequence of Orientalism?
It creates a power imbalance between the West and the East.
40
Multiple Choice: Which of the following concepts is NOT associated with Edward Said's Orientalism? A) Stereotyping B) Cultural Exchange C) Imperialism D) Othering
B) Cultural Exchange
41
What term does Said use to describe the Western portrayal of Eastern societies?
Othering
42
True or False: Said claims that Orientalism is purely an academic discipline.
False
43
What role does art play in Orientalism according to Edward Said?
Art is used to reinforce stereotypes and depict the East as exotic and primitive.
44
Which colonial power is primarily critiqued in Said's work on Orientalism?
Britain
45
Fill in the blank: Orientalism has influenced __________ in literature and media.
representations
46
What does Edward Said suggest about the relationship between knowledge and power in Orientalism?
Knowledge about the East is used to justify and maintain power over Eastern societies.
47
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key theme in Orientalism? A) Mutual understanding B) Cultural superiority C) Globalization D) Religious tolerance
B) Cultural superiority
48
What impact has 'Orientalism' had on post-colonial studies?
It has become a foundational text that critiques Western perceptions of the East.
49
True or False: Edward Said's work has been influential in discussions about identity and representation.
True
50
What percentage of Egypt’s economy was controlled by the military?
About 40%
51
What products did the Egyptian army manufacture?
Olive oil, shoe polish, voting booths, etc.
52
What were the key grievances of protesters during the Egyptian uprising?
Neoliberalism, corruption, nepotism, repression, frustration
53
Which group took power after the overthrow of Mubarak?
The Muslim Brotherhood
54
Who was elected president of Egypt after Mubarak?
Mohamed Morsi
55
What was controversial about Morsi’s constitutional decisions?
He bypassed judicial review
56
What groups protested against Morsi’s rule?
Secularists and parts of the military
57
When did mass protests against Morsi break out?
June 28, 2013
58
Who became president of Egypt in 2014?
El-Sisi
59
How is El-Sisi's leadership often described?
More authoritarian, "the new Mubarak"
60
What is the Nabucco Pipeline?
A proposed EU-backed gas pipeline from the Caspian region to Europe (2009)
61
What pipeline alternative was proposed by Iran and Syria?
Islamic Gas Pipeline
62
Why did the West oppose the Islamic pipeline?
It favored Iran and Syria and threatened Western access to Persian Gulf gas
63
Why did the US neoconservatives want Assad removed?
To enable pipeline alternatives and weaken Russia/Iran influence
64
Why did Assad reject the West’s plan?
He refused to end Syria's alliance with Russia
65
What strategic value does Yemen hold?
It links the Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean
66
What is Europe's main interest in Middle East geopolitics?
Securing energy resources, especially natural gas
67
What is Edward Said’s core argument in 'Orientalism'?
Western discourse created a biased, patronizing image of the 'Orient' to justify colonial domination.
68
What is the concept of 'othering' in Orientalism?
Depicting Eastern societies as exotic, backward, or uncivilized compared to the West.
69
What is Samuel Huntington’s thesis in 'The Clash of Civilizations'?
Future conflicts will be cultural, not ideological or economic, primarily between major civilizations.
70
How does John Esposito challenge Huntington’s thesis?
He argues that the Islamic threat is a myth and that conflicts stem more from political and economic issues than culture.
71
What does Fawaz Gerges argue about Arab uprisings?
They mark the beginning of a new political era driven by youth activism and demands for dignity.
72
What do Al-Sumait, Lenze & Hudson identify as catalysts of Arab uprisings?
Economic hardship, authoritarianism, corruption, and digital activism.
73
What does Rutherford argue about the January 25 uprising in Egypt?
It resulted from long-standing institutional grievances and demands for legal reform.
74
What are the main challenges to Tunisia’s democracy?
Political instability, weak institutions, and economic stagnation.
75
What is the focus of 'Marching in Circles: Egypt’s Dangerous Second Transition'?
The risks of returning authoritarianism and the failure to establish democratic governance.
76
What is 'The Square' documentary about?
It covers the Egyptian revolution from Tahrir Square, showing the struggle between activists, military, and Islamists.
77
What was the purpose of Russia’s Operation 'Retribution' in Syria?
To support Assad's regime and reassert Russian influence in the Middle East.
78
What are the implications of Assad’s victory in Aleppo?
It cemented regime control but increased humanitarian and sectarian crises.
79
Why is Iran expected to fill the vacuum after US withdrawal from Syria?
Shiite militias supported by Iran are entrenched in the region.
80
What did Cihan Tugal argue about Occupy Gezi?
It exposed the limits of Turkey’s neoliberal model and growing authoritarianism.
81
What point does Soner Cagaptay make in 'The Middle Class Strikes Back'?
Turkey’s protests were led by a rising middle class opposing authoritarianism.
82
What does Schaeffer say about climate change and globalization?
Climate change is both a product of and a challenge to global economic systems.
83
What themes are covered in Jack Lule's chapters 3, 5, and 6?
Media’s role in shaping global narratives, influencing public opinion, and the digital divide.
84
What is the focus of the 'Digital Media' documentary?
The transformative effects of digital technology on communication and society.
85
What does Jason Burke argue in 'Al Qaeda: The True Story of Radical Islam'?
Al Qaeda is a broad, decentralized movement influenced by complex political and social factors.
86
What are Daniel Byman’s key points in his book on jihadist movements?
Al Qaeda and ISIS have different strategies, with global jihad evolving and adapting to pressures.
87
What is the focus of 'In the Footsteps of Bin Laden'?
The life, ideology, and impact of Osama bin Laden and the growth of global jihadism.
88
What is Edward Said’s definition of 'Orientalism'?
A Western style for dominating, restructuring, and having authority over the Orient; it frames Eastern societies as backward, exotic, and inferior.
89
What is the core critique Said makes of Western scholarship on the East?
It is not objective; it reinforces colonialist ideologies by representing the East through a distorted, Eurocentric lens.
90
How does Orientalism relate to power?
It is both a cultural and political tool, used to justify Western imperialism and control over Eastern peoples and knowledge.
91
What is Samuel Huntington’s thesis in 'The Clash of Civilizations'?
Post–Cold War conflict will center around cultural and religious identities rather than ideology or economics; particularly between the West and Islamic/Confucian civilizations.
92
What are the primary civilizations Huntington identifies as clashing?
* Western
* Islamic
* Confucian
* Hindu
* Slavic-Orthodox
* Latin American
* African
* Japanese
93
How does John Esposito challenge Huntington’s thesis?
Esposito argues that Huntington’s theory promotes fear and oversimplifies the complex causes of conflict. He stresses internal diversity within Islamic societies and the political—not civilizational—drivers of unrest.
94
What does Esposito identify as the real sources of Islamic world conflicts?
* Authoritarianism
* Corruption
* Economic stagnation
* Failed governance
95
According to Fawaz Gerges, what defines the 'New Middle East'?
Grassroots-led protests driven by demands for dignity, justice, and reform—challenging both autocracies and the West's outdated policies.
96
What dynamics are emphasized in Al-Sumat, Lenze & Hudson’s chapter on the Arab Uprisings?
Youth unemployment, digital mobilization, and socio-political alienation; they emphasize how different trajectories in each country shaped the outcomes.
97
What structural issues does Bruce Rutherford highlight in Egypt’s January 25 Uprising?
Decades of political repression, lack of judicial independence, military control of the economy, and ineffective reform.
98
What are the democratic challenges facing Tunisia according to Carnegie?
* Balancing secularism and Islamism
* Strengthening institutions
* Preventing return to authoritarianism amid economic stagnation
99
What warning does 'Marching in Circles' give about Egypt’s second transition?
That the military's reassertion of power following Morsi’s ousting could lead to a deeper, more entrenched authoritarianism.
100
What is the significance of the documentary The Square?
It captures the spirit of Tahrir Square activists, revealing the complexities and setbacks of Egypt’s revolution from hope to repression.
101
What were Russia’s objectives in Operation 'Retribution'?
* Preserve Assad’s regime
* Secure military bases
* Combat insurgents
* Reassert influence in the Middle East
102
What are the consequences of Assad’s victory in Aleppo?
It consolidated Assad’s rule but left a humanitarian catastrophe and hardened sectarian divisions, with little path to long-term peace.
103
What does the Foreign Affairs article say about the U.S. withdrawal from Syria?
It creates a power vacuum likely to be filled by Iran and its allied militias, risking long-term destabilization.
104
What does Cihan Tugal argue in 'Occupy Gezi'?
The protests reflected widespread disillusionment with Turkey’s neoliberal policies and authoritarian turn under Erdogan.
105
What perspective does Soner Cagaptay offer on Turkey’s protests?
The urban middle class, once Erdogan’s base, turned against him due to growing authoritarianism, reflecting broader political fragmentation.
106
How is climate change connected to globalization?
Climate change is both a product and a casualty of globalization; wealthy nations disproportionately contribute to emissions, while poorer countries bear the consequences.
107
What are the global political challenges in addressing climate change?
* Conflicting national interests
* Lack of enforcement mechanisms
* Dominance of fossil fuel economies in global trade
108
What role does media play in global politics according to Lule?
It frames narratives, influences policy, and constructs public perception—especially regarding conflict, terrorism, and global crises.
109
What concern is raised about media’s power in the digital age?
The rise of misinformation, surveillance, and corporate/government manipulation of online discourse.
110
What does the Kanopy video Digital Media illustrate?
The paradox of media as a democratizing force and a tool for authoritarian control, especially in protest movements.
111
What is Jason Burke’s main claim about Al Qaeda?
It is more of a fragmented ideology and loose network than a central organization, with diverse goals and methods across regions.
112
How does Daniel Byman differentiate between Al Qaeda and ISIS?
Al Qaeda is more strategic and long-term in its goals, while ISIS is more brutal, territorial, and focused on establishing a caliphate.
113
What global trends does Byman observe in jihadist movements?
They adapt quickly, exploit regional instability, and use digital media to recruit and inspire lone-wolf attacks globally.
114
What insight does 'In the Footsteps of bin Laden' offer?
A personal and ideological biography of Osama bin Laden, showing how he evolved from rebel fighter to global jihadist leader.
