Course 1: NU-Q American Government and Politics
American Government and politics was among one of my favorite courses I took at NU-Q. I believe it was the biggest contributor to why I decided to even continue the media and politics minor. I was naturally drawn to American politics and government, having spent my formative years and childhood there, so having this course was a wonderful way to truly dissect the politics. I believe it has truly reformed in recent years, with identity politics and the growing partisanship between the Democratic and Republican parties, along with the many political agendas that both parties press on, being fascinating subjects.
One of the aspects that I hope to take away from this course is how there are many factors in congressional elections that exist for the overarching goal of a win. In the case of Senator John Cornyn, it included outstanding and prevalent subscriptions to hard-core right- wing politics and dedication to the Republican partisanship, capitalization on his undeniable incumbency advantages and lastly, his approaches to campaign message and calls to mobilization were amongst the top three pivotal contributors to his victory in the swing state of Texas. More pragmatically, the Texas Senate race was a microscopic perspective of the larger macrocosm of Americana politics. Spending the four months analyzing the senate race elections of Texas, the system reiterated that political institutions are more fragile than assumed. I understood how though the campaigns overall focused on America’s founded values of freedom and liberty, patriotism is a blunt instrument that Americans use against many emerging situations. The need for congressional reforms is a pressing issue and area that needs to be updated in the American Political system. In similar ways, America is steadily becoming more diverse and inclusive of minorities and different ethnicities and races, however, this is enticing as it is concerning, as the nation is shrouded in a breeding polarization of extremist parties and ideas that is making the divide and polarization ever so evident and problematic to the basic functions of economies, government, and society.
Course 2: NU-Q Politics in the Digital World
What I enjoyed about this course was how it profoundly impacted my understanding of the intricate interplay between politics, culture, and technology, particularly highlighting the role of digital platforms in shaping political narratives. The exploration into the political landscape of India, with its dynamic economy, rich political atmosphere, and cultural diversity, was especially captivating. This exploration marked my first encounter with the significant influence of the digital world on politics, unveiling the transformative power of media, the internet, and technology in disseminating political messages to society.
One aspect that stood out was the freedom afforded by the course to pursue personal interests within the broad framework of political studies. My background, having spent formative years in both Texas and India, naturally inclined me towards examining political issues pertinent to these regions. India’s political discourse, often centered around women’s rights—a subject still in progress—drew my attention. I was particularly intrigued by the story of Lakshmi Agarwal, an acid attack survivor who became a campaigner for the rights of acid attack survivors in India. Researching her story offered insight into how stakeholders and policies not only influence individual narratives like Lakshmi’s but also affect their portrayal and impact on society.
Another significant learning was the exposure to the broader political climate in my home country, leading to a deeper understanding of the prevailing issues and the necessary policy developments for the future. This course underscored the pervasive systemic inequalities that hinder women’s progress and their role in politics.
Moreover, the course shed light on the pivotal role of political tools, such as democracy, satire, agenda-setting, and framing, within the digital realm. Observing these tools in action, particularly in advocacy and policy-making, revealed their critical importance in advancing women’s issues in India. The case of Lakshmi Agarwal and the broader movement for acid attack survivors’ rights exemplified the effective use of these tools in mobilizing support and driving societal change.
Course 3: Internet and Society
The course “Internet and Society” offered profound insights into the multifaceted impact of digital media and technologies on academia, economies, and the socio-political landscape. A standout aspect for me was the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to redefine communication methods and task completion. This exploration was not only theoretical but deeply analytical, enabling us to critically assess the implications of AI and big data in contemporary settings.
The examination of the Cambridge Analytica scandal served as a pivotal case study, highlighting the manipulation of big data and the profound reliance on AI and media technologies in modern society. This scandal illustrated the complexities of data privacy, the ethical use of information, and the power dynamics within digital platforms. It was particularly eye-opening to see the extent of automation in disseminating targeted political messages and a greater necessity for rigorous fact-checking mechanisms in the digital age. My engagement with the course culminated in a final project focused on the role of AI in healthcare. This project allowed me to delve into the practical applications of AI, acknowledging its benefits while critically examining the ethical dilemmas and considerations that accompany the adoption of such technologies. Through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between leveraging AI for advancements in healthcare and ensuring ethical standards are met. The course’s emphasis on new technologies—such as automation, AI, and the role of big data networks—was particularly intriguing. It illuminated the extent of our dependence on these technologies and the ethical quandaries they pose. This comprehensive examination prompted a broader reflection on how we, as a society can navigate the integration of these technologies into our lives responsibly.
Course 4: GU-Q African Politics
Reflecting on the course, my key takeaway is the profound understanding of economic diversity within Africa and how pivotal the ideologies of pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance are in fostering sustainable development across the continent. This course offered a comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted economic landscapes of African nations, emphasizing the necessity for tailored approaches to development that account for the unique economic structures and resources of each country. It illuminated the importance of recognizing and adapting to this diversity rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy to achieve sustainable development goals.
The theme that intrigued me the most was the intricate relationship between pan-Africanism, the African Renaissance, and economic policy implementation. The discussions around whether pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance are still relevant in today’s world, especially the analogy describing their “sick” relationship, were particularly thought-provoking. This debate opened up a nuanced perspective on how these ideologies, far from being obsolete, are evolving slowly and continue to influence the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at economic and cultural renewal across Africa. The idea that pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance could serve as foundational pillars for the continent’s economic strategies, promoting unity, solidarity, and a resurgence of cultural values, is both inspiring and imperative.
These ideologies encourage a collaborative approach towards tackling the continent’s various challenges, including those related to economic diversity. They are crucial for devising policies that are not only economically beneficial but also culturally resonant and environmentally sustainable. This course has underscored the significance of integrating these ideological frameworks with practical economic objectives, thereby facilitating a more holistic and adaptive approach to sustainable development in Africa. It has reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and cultural revival as essential components in shaping Africa’s future economic landscape.
Course 5: GU-Q International Relations
In this course, I was particularly interested in how we explored multiple key topics of international relations. From discussing soft and hard power initiatives of Qatar to the multipolar ear, however I believe that stands out most to me is the analysis of Qatar’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the Gaza crisis, from realist, liberalist, and constructivist perspectives.Through this I have understood a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s multifaceted involvement over the past two decades. Through these lenses, Qatar’s strategies and motivations in fostering relations with Palestine and Israel, and within the intra-Palestinian dynamics between Hamas and Fatah, are explored.
I was particularly interested in analyzing Qatar’s involvement through these frameworks. From a realist perspective, Qatar’s mediation efforts are seen as a strategic endeavor to enhance its regional power and influence. The nation’s active role in brokering ceasefires and providing substantial aid to Gaza is interpreted as a tactical move to assert its geopolitical significance in the Middle East. This approach underscores Qatar’s aim to establish itself as a pivotal political and economic force, leveraging its natural resources and wealth to gain political sway and maintain its autonomy.
The liberalist viewpoint highlights Qatar’s commitment to promoting peace and cooperation. By facilitating dialogue between Hamas and Israel and investing in Gaza’s infrastructure, Qatar seeks to foster peaceful resolutions and economic development. Its engagement in diplomatic efforts and international law adherence reflects a liberal approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of international institutions and collaboration in addressing socio-economic issues and achieving long-term stability.
Constructivist analysis focuses on the cultural, religious, and identity-based dimensions of Qatar’s foreign policy. The nation’s support for Palestine is framed within its Islamic values and historical connections, utilizing cultural diplomacy and media influence to shape public discourse and foster solidarity with the Muslim community. This perspective sheds light on Qatar’s efforts to mediate conflicts and promote its identity as a peace-loving, neutral entity while navigating the complex social constructs and regional dynamics.
Overall, I understood how Qatar’s involvement in the Gaza crisis is characterized by a blend of strategic, peace-promoting, and identity-driven motivations. By playing a central role as a mediator, aid provider, and cultural diplomat, Qatar seeks to influence regional politics, support Palestinian statehood, and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East. This nuanced approach underscores the country’s unique strategy in navigating the intricate landscape of Middle Eastern politics, aiming for a peaceful resolution and enhanced regional influence.
Course 6: GU-Q Small State Security
One of the key insights gained from this course is the exploration of Qatar’s status as a small state economy. Entering this class with the preconceived notion of Qatar as a minor player, discussions revealed its remarkable global standing, challenging the conventional view of it as merely a “small state.” This misperception is effectively countered by Qatar’s wealth of natural resources and its combination of soft and hard power.
What particularly captivated me was the realization that Qatar’s economic role extends beyond its oil dependency. The revelation came when a guest speaker, the ambassador from the Netherlands to Qatar, highlighted Qatar’s substantial daily revenue from natural resources—ranging from 90 million USD on a lesser day to 240 million USD on a better one. These figures starkly contrast with the financial dealings typical of small states and surpass those of many larger nations, underscoring Qatar’s adept utilization of its assets to fortify its economy through strategic initiatives.
Qatar’s investment in educational infrastructure, such as the Education City initiative, and its involvement in global sports by hosting events like the FIFA World Cup and the Asian Cup, as well as investing in football teams and cultural projects, exemplify its dynamic application of soft and hard power. The country’s role as a mediator in international conflicts, including the Israeli-Gaza situation, further illustrates its influential position on the world stage, transcending the limitations commonly associated with smaller states.
This course has broadened my understanding of what it means for a small state to succeed and compete internationally, as Qatar does. It has also highlighted the importance of governmental and political collaborations and the seamless communication necessary for a state’s success. I look forward to learning more and comparing Qatar’s strategies with those of other small states, such as Singapore and the Netherlands, as the class progresses.