Throughout history, the Middle East has been locked in engagements with the West through crusades, wars, colonialism and terrorism. However, beyond the clichés and convenient facades lie many lesser known facets from economic transformation to climate change. This lecture series will give you a comprehensive overview of the region and its impacts on Singapore and the world.

An e-certificate of participation will be awarded to those who attain 75 per cent attendance at the ME 101 Lecture Series 2022.

This series will be conducted weekly, both in person and online via Zoom, starting 18 August 2022, 4.30pm to 6.00pm. All are welcome to participate. This event is free, however, registration is compulsory. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom details closer to the date of the event.

(Please indicate your choice of attendance upon registration. In-person attendance is limited to 50 pax per session on a first come first serve basis via registration.) 

To register for the upcoming lectures, please click here.

Photo Image: Israeli science and technology directory

Lecture Details

Series Introduction: Developments in the Middle East: Why Singapore Should Care
by Ms Michelle Teo [Thursday, 18 August 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

Lecture #01: Geopolitical Competition in the Middle East | Competition within Cooperation: The Gulf States in Conciliatory Mood
by Dr Clemens Chay [Thursday, 25 August 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

PPT presentation for Lecture #01 can be found here.

Reading list for Lecture #01 can be found here.

Lecture #02: Geopolitical Competition in the Middle East | Iran and Turkey – Spoilers of the Regional System?
by Dr Asif Shuja and Dr Gyorgy Busztin [Thursday, 1 September 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

Lecture #03: Geopolitical Competition in the Middle East | The US and its Allies – Boots on the Ground or Off Platforms
by Jean-loup Samaan [Thursday, 8 September 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

Lecture #04: Geopolitical Competition in the Middle East | China – Can the Dragon Tame the Middle East or will the Middle East Tame the Dragon?
by Dr Alessandro Arduino  [Thursday, 15 September 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

Reading list for Lecture #04 can be found here.

Lecture #05: Geopolitical Competition in the Middle East | Russia and the Middle East
by Dr Li-Chen Sim [Thursday, 22 September 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

Reading list for Lecture #5 can be found here.

PPT presentation for Lecture #05 can be found here.

Lecture #06: The Challenge Beyond Economics | What to Expect from Egypt Host of Upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP 27)

by Dr Aisha Al-Sarihi [Thursday, 29 September 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

Reading list for Lecture #06 here.

Lecture #07: Geopolitical Competition in the Middle East | The Centrality of Central Asia
by Mr Raffaello Pantucci  [Thursday, 06 October 2022]

Watch the talk here:

Listen to the Podcast here.

Lecture #08: Geopolitical Competition in the Middle East | Israel-More than just Palestine
 by Jean-loup Samaan [Thursday, 13 October 2022]

For more information about the sessions, please click here.