Within the activities of the Beirut Arab International Book Fair, the writer and academic Dr. Norma A. signed Karim Asmar’s new book, published by Sair Al-Mashreq Publishing House, is titled: “European Values in the Middle East: Firm Ideals in the Face of Political Realism”
(European values in the Middle East: Enduring Ideals in the Face of Realpolitik).Scientific origin and experience: The book is based on a doctoral thesis in European studies, in which the researcher combined her long journalistic experience in the Middle East region with in-depth historical and structural research on Europe’s arduous march towards formulating its current structure based on freedom, democracy, and justice.The focus of the discussion: The author aims to launch a dynamic dialogue to understand the manifestations of these values in the context of the specificity of the Middle East, and to analyze the nature of bilateral relations in light of the rapid political and social transformations and current development challenges.
The book’s main topics and sectionsFraming the European system: The book begins by examining the global dimension of European values (human dignity, the rule of law, and human rights), tracing the path of their transformation from theoretical and philosophical frameworks to daily institutions and legislation, ending by raising a fundamental question about the obstacles preventing the formation of a similar experience in the Middle East.Structural Obstacles and Colonial Legacy: The book analyzes the complex societal dynamics in the region, highlighting the impact of the continuing colonial legacy in shaping governance and political and social structures.The Lebanese issue as a study model: The research delves into the Lebanese case, reviewing how this historically pioneering regional model failed to institutionalize democracy and transform it into an effective and independent governing authority, as a result of the nature of the political system, the dialectical relationship between authority and society, external interventions and successive crises.The “Arab Spring” movement and the “Spring of Nations”: The author presents a comparative reading of the “Arab Spring” revolutions (between 2010 and 2020), focusing on the models of Egypt and Tunisia, and their approach to the European revolutions of 1848 known as the “Spring of Nations.” The study - based on academic testimonies and expert opinions - concludes by refuting the “absolute conspiracy formulas” that hold the West fully responsible for the region’s crises.This edition represents a qualitative reference directed to academics, researchers, and students of political science and international relations, as well as readers interested in the future of dialogue and partnership between the European and Arab spaces.
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