Abul-Fadl, Mona. “The Civilizational Perspective in the Study of Arab Political Systems: Defining the Essence of the Arab Region,” Year 3, issue 9 (Summer 1418 AH/ 1997 CE), p. 9-35.

Abstract

Mona Abul-Fadl’s article is an attempt to develop and methodologically approach means of addressing Arab political systems in a comparative context. Defining and identifying the essence of the Arab region is the core of a methodological ta’ṣīl (framework established upon referral to principal Islamic sources) of the study of Arab political systems.  In her methodological definition, she utilizes the definition of alternative approaches to the adaptation of the region, and the civilizational gateway to interaction with reality, and the historical depth of the Arab civilizational region. Her article discusses the attempt to reform the Ottoman state, the attempt to revive Arab nationalism, leaders of reform such as al-Kawakibi and Mustafa Kamel, and their calls for the establishment of an Arab Caliphate. It also deals with the emergence of the term “Middle East” in the international arena, and how it is affected by the prevalence of the notion of regional studies, which is distinguished by common cultural and social characteristics.