The Realism of Communitarians’ Clash in the Middle East

Abstract

This study examines the ‘clash of communitarians’ thesis in the Middle East and North Africa. At the same time, it explores political dynamics of nation-states’ foreign policy outlooks. This is done by focusing on the post-Arab Spring’s policy orientations of three Sunni-majority regional powers (Egypt, KSA, Turkey) toward regional conflicts in three MENA states: Syria, Libya, and Iraq. It first analyzes foreign policy positions that are driven by the ‘clash of communitarians’ assumptions, and within the framework of Sunni-Shia regional sectarian struggle. Then, its compares these ‘inter-communitarian clash’ propositions (Sunni-Shia) with competing ‘intra-communitarian clash’ (Sunni-Sunni) in regional political struggle over contested regional spheres of influence. Preliminary findings point to the fact the intra-communitarian struggle is often more vicious compared to other forms of disputes. In addition, regional states’ foreign policy interests remain predominantly national rather than communitarian. This is evident in strict communitarianism failing to acknowledge the current intra-Sunni states’ foreign policy divisions. The finding asserts that foreign policy is largely embedded in Realism’s assumptions of national interests and regional balance of power. Communitarianism and nationalism need to be synthesized in analyzing contemporary foreign policy outlooks.