{"id":1355,"date":"2024-07-02T05:31:46","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T09:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.apsanet.org\/mena\/?page_id=1355"},"modified":"2026-01-30T11:07:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T15:07:30","slug":"2024-workshops","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.apsanet.org\/mena\/2024-workshops\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Workshops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n


The Politics of Identity in the Middle East and North Africa <\/strong>
December 14-20, 2024 \u2013 Kuwait City, Kuwait <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In December 2024, APSA hosted its 11th MENA Research Development Workshop in Partnership with the Center for the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies at Kuwait University for early-career scholars from the Arab MENA region. The 1-week in-person workshop convened 21 PhD candidates and early-career scholars in political science and other social science disciplines undertaking research that examines the theme of identity politics in the MENA region. Led by Drs. Hamad Albloshi (Kuwait University), Sarah Almutairi (Kuwait University), Lisa Blaydes (Stanford University), and Daniel L. Tavana (Penn State University), the workshop aimed to support fellows in refining their research manuscripts and situating their contributions within broader academic debates. Research project submissions ranged from early-stage proposals to advanced draft manuscripts nearing completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Workshop participants and co-leaders gather for a group photo at the Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies, Kuwait University (Shadadiya Campus).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cThe feedback from the co-leaders was extremely helpful and enhanced my work\u2019s positionality, giving me a better framing for my research and a clearer understanding of which audience it speaks to.\u201d \u2013 Workshop Fellow<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Through feedback-focused panels and thematic seminars, participants received constructive feedback on the substance and design of their research projects from both co-leaders and fellow peers. The workshop also featured dedicated sessions on research design and methodology, where facilitators guided participants in refining their research question and theoretical framework. Discussions covered key topics such as concept building and measurement, as well as the complexities of fieldwork, data collection, and ethical considerations in the MENA region. Drawing on their own fieldwork experiences, co-leaders and guest speakers shared insights, best practices, and discussed potential ethical dilemmas researchers may face while conducting research in the region. Participants also had the opportunity to receive personalized guidance and feedback during designated office hours with facilitators. Thematic seminars offered presentations and discussions on a wide range of sub-themes related to identity politics in the MENA region, including gender identity and survey research, religion and national belonging, and ethnic and tribal identities in electoral politics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From left: Dr. Nourah Shuhabibi (Kuwait University), Dr. Ghanim Al-Najjar (Kuwait University), and Dr. Hamad Albloshi (Kuwait University), during a roundtable discussion on Identity Politics in the Arab Gulf States.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cThe opportunity to meet and share ideas with junior scholars was the most valuable part. It was a safe space of peers at the same level of study, research, and knowledge which is less intimidating and more encouraging to speak freely and feel empowered to share my thoughts.\u201d \u2013 Workshop fellow<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From left: Drs. Shareefa A. Al-Adwani (American University of Kuwait), Fahed Al-Sumait (American University of Kuwait), and Daniel Tavana (Penn State University)during the “Careers in Political Science” at Kuwait University.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the program included roundtables and professional development sessions featuring guest scholars from Kuwait, as well as regional and international academic institutions. Following their participation, fellows were awarded a complimentary 3-year membership to APSA, joining a growing network of alumni from the MENA workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workshop Fellows <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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