The Middle East, And America s Imperial Ambitions

Research Question Does the ISIS phenomenon challenge the construct of the Middle East, and America’s imperial ambitions? My argument is that neo-colonial relations - between the United States and the Arab world – is responsible for the radicalization of terrorist, particularly ISIS. Considering America’s involvement in the construction of the modern Middle East, and its continued involvement in the region. This research question is significant because it interlinks post-colonial studies with contemporary security studies. This link is important because modern terrorism and the instability in the Middle East cannot be explored without reference to past Western foreign policies. Because the Western influence – in the case of this paper,†¦show more content†¦In addition to post-colonial studies, this paper will also evaluate Orientalist claims that established the West vs. Islam dualism that continues to persuade further imperial advancements in the Arab world. Orientalist scholars include but not limited to Samuel Huntington, Bernard Lewis, Noah Feldman, and Raphael Patai. However, also countering Orientalist claims by analyzing Edward Said’s Orientalism, and other critics of Western hegemony, such as Dan Tuastad. This paper will also explore the theory of political violence along with terrorism to explain why neocolonial relations had led to civil violence in Syri a, and more recently global terrorism. And to illustrate the methods and means of violence. This paper will examine the principles of legitimate political violence against foreign occupation or an illegitimate state authority; such as the social strain theory. The theory of political violence will be linked to terrorism studies to accommodate and understand the methods and means of violence perpetrated by ISIS. This paper will advocate for legitimate political violence - in the means of self-determination - against colonial rule. More notable argued by Frantz Fanon, a political radical that declared violence is the only means to end an unjust regime because the decolonization process is inherently violent