Identity-Based Dynamics and Geopolitics in the Relations between the Arab World and Europe

Abstract

The article examines the epistemological problems in apprehending the socio-political and identity-based realities of Arab societies, and also studies the impact that European ideas and politics have had on them. In addition, it explores the European influence on the modalities of analysis of behavior of Arab societies. On this point, the author notes, there have been, over the past 150 years, distinct models that have questioned the Arab identity: from the Enlightenment to Marxism, on through to the creation of the State of Israel. In the second half of the 20th century, the fact that Arab solidarity has failed to materialize has caused the modern nationalistic identity to give way to a mythic and religious-based identity.