About Issue 1
Summary of Issue Content
In this collection of articles, we explore a diverse range of topics, from the rise of cryptocurrencies and their potential impact on the Gulf region to a global perspective on educational and academic culture at GUST. We delve into the economic drivers of mitigating climate change and the role of technology and finance in making a difference on a global scale.
The exploration extends to the realms of philosophy, as we discuss Hegel and Heidegger's philosophies, analyzing their relationship with Eurocentrism and their resonance with Asian thought. We also offer insights into the process of editing an interdisciplinary volume on the Arab Diaspora, shedding light on the intellectual journey behind this endeavor.
The collection further delves into the realm of political thought, where we explore the motivations behind the global attack on capitalism and the emergence of 'woke' consciousness as an international political force. We also discuss the effort to decolonize historical studies and address racial disparities in the field.
The role of cultural and scientific diplomacy takes center stage as we examine French soft power and its global outreach, questioning its scope, priorities, and functioning.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Kuwait's liberation, we offer historical accounts of French involvement in the Gulf War. Colonel Passot's article delves into 'Opération Daguet,' a pivotal moment in the French armed forces' history during Desert Storm. Géry Verjot explores the French naval campaign off Kuwaiti coasts in 1991, highlighting the crucial role of French warships in mine warfare.
These articles collectively offer a comprehensive overview of various contemporary and historical issues, enriching our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping our world today.
Featured Articles
- Jibril Latif Browning: Bitcoin Adoption is Happening: Will Gulf Residents be Winners or Losers?
- Mohammed Habib: A Global Perspective on the Educational and Academic Culture at GUST.
- Harold M. Hastings and Tai Young-Taft: A Note on Economic Drivers of Mitigating Climate Change.
- Richard McDonough: Hegel, Heidegger, Eurocentrism and Asian Thought.
- Mariam Alkazemi and Claudia Youakim. On Editing an Interdisciplinary Volume on the Arab Diaspora.
- Jeffery Geller: The Spirit of Contemporary Socialism: An Explanation of Woke Consciousness.
- Kevin A. Morrison: Decolonizing a Historical Field: Toward a Global Nineteenth Century.
- Philippe Lane: From Soft Power to Smart Power: French Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy.
- Olivier Passot: "Opération Daguet" in Kuwait 1991.
- Géry Verjot : The French Naval Campaign off Kuwaiti Coasts in 1991.
About the Articles
Arguments and ideas in the present articles represent those of the respective authors and not necessarily GUST University or the editors of this Newsletter.
1. Jibril Latif Browning: Bitcoin Adoption is Happening: Will Gulf Residents be Winners or Losers?
State-issued fiat currencies, and investments denominated in them, fall into jeopardy as the rise of cryptocurrencies decentralize money worldwide. There are 5 stages of adoption, and Bitcoin, the king of cryptocurrencies, is moving from the 2nd to the 3rd stage. But will Gulf residents adapt quickly or lag behind?
2. Mohammed Habib: A Global Perspective on the Educational and Academic Culture at GUST
This article addresses a central concern: GUST has many talented students whose potential is not fully realized. It explores reasons for this and suggests possible remedies in terms of pedagogy and campus initiatives; it also considers how the university’s international profile might be enhanced through promoting a culture of research.
3. Harold M. Hastings and Tai Young-Taft: A Note on Economic Drivers of Mitigating Climate Change
What are the future roles of economic factors in reducing global carbon dioxide emissions? The sharp decrease in the costs of solar photovoltaic power has driven large scale adoption. The world needs both additional technological innovation and financial innovation to facilitate adoption in the developing world.
4. Richard McDonough: Hegel, Heidegger, Eurocentrism and Asian Thought
The two great German philosophers, Hegel in the 19th century and Heidegger in the 20th, can be accused of Eurocentrism. However, whereas Hegel’s philosophy is intrinsically Eurocentric, and treats Asian philosophies only as part of the prehistory of genuine philosophy, both Heidegger’s early and later philosophies are strongly suggestive of Asian themes.
5. Mariam Alkazemi and Claudia Youakim. On Editing an Interdisciplinary Volume on the Arab Diaspora
Arab Worlds beyond the Middle East and North Africa is an edited volume that will be published in June 2021. The authors offer insight how their training in the fields of communication and sociology fueled the interdisciplinary text on Arab immigration.
6. Jeffery Geller: The Spirit of Contemporary Socialism: An Explanation of Woke Consciousness
This article offers a synoptic explanation of the motivation behind the global attack on capitalism. Drawing on Adam Smith, Max Weber and others, it attempts to piece together the historical and theoretical factors that inform wokeness as it has emerged as an international political force.
7. Kevin A. Morrison: Decolonizing a Historical Field: Toward a Global Nineteenth Century
As scholars think about ways to decolonize historical study and address racial disparity, the launch of the Society for Global Nineteenth-Century Studies and its flagship journal represents a significant effort to expand the disciplinary, racial, ethnic, and methodological diversity of a chronological field.
8. Philippe Lane: From Soft Power to Smart Power: French Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy
With almost 150 cultural embassy services (among them more than 100 Instituts Français, some 900 Alliances Françaises and almost 500 French lycées) on five continents, France plays an important soft power role. What is its scope? What are its priorities? What means do they have and how do they function?
9. Olivier Passot: "Opération Daguet" in Kuwait 1991
French armed forces had an active role in the coalition “Desert Storm”. After six months of military buildup in the Saudi desert, air and land units contributed to the victory. Then, French engineers were deployed in Kuwait to conduct mine clearing operations, especially along the beaches.
10. Géry Verjot : The French Naval Campaign off Kuwaiti Coasts in 1991
French warships specialized in mine warfare were engaged in the military campaign against the Iraqi army in Kuwait during the first Gulf War. Their deployment began with the demining of the Suez Canal in Egypt to allow the passage of coalition ships.
