Networks of Cooperation and Conflict in the Middle East (2017-2018)

In the Middle East, autocratic governments, sectarian conflicts and foreign occupation have put many people in a state of despair and destitution. The nature of social networks is one of the most important determinants of how the region is grappling with these challenges.

This project drew on social network analysis to empirically identify patterns of cooperation and conflict in the Middle East. The team built a research group at Duke that investigated how social networks affect behavior in the context of Middle East.

Team members gathered quantitative and qualitative data on 46 Muslim community grassroots organizations installed in the Research Triangle area between 1960 and 2018.

Students on the team also participated in a seminar course in Fall 2017 that included guest lectures from experts across disciplines. The team also convened a public lecture series of Duke scholars and representatives of nongovernmental organizations with fieldwork experience, to promote exchange between Duke researchers working on networks (related to health, education, poverty, economic opportunity) and people actively engaged in community networks (e.g., Muslim Inclusion Committee (Chapel Hill, NC), Muslim Public Affairs Council (Los Angeles, CA) and Search for Common Grounds (Washington, DC & Brussels, Belgium).

The team also hosted an outreach event with 40 Muslim community leaders at the Assalam Islamic Center in Raleigh in May 2018.

Timing

Summer 2017 – Spring 2018

Team Outcomes

Social Network Analysis of Muslim-led Networks in the Triangle (poster by Lela Ali), presented at Bass Connections Showcase, April 18, 2018

Social Networks and Child Soldier Recruitment (poster by Neelesh Moorthy), presented at Bass Connections Showcase, April 18, 2018

Network Analysis and Social Policy: A Public Lecture Series

This Team in the News

Why People Join Terrorist Groups

 

Team Leaders

  • Abdeslam Maghraoui, Arts & Sciences: Political Science
  • Barak Richman, Duke Law
  • David Siegel, Arts & Sciences: Political Science
  • Giovanni Zanalda, Social Science Research Institute

Graduate Team Members

  • Lela Ali, Liberal Studies-AM
  • Margaret Foster, Political Science-PHD
  • Shajuti Hossain, Juris Doctor
  • Howard Liu, Political Science-PHD
  • Jordan Roberts, Political Science-PHD
  • Juan Tellez, Political Science-PHD

Undergraduate Team Members

  • Jared Chappell, Political Science (AB); Int Comparative Studies (AB2)
  • Usha Kadiyala, Public Policy (AB)
  • Yijun Li, Statistical Science (BS); Mathematics (BS2)
  • Natasha Rothenbucher, Int Comparative Studies (AB); Asian & Mid East Studies (AB2)
  • Michael Tan, Economics (BS); Statistical Science (BS2)
  • Roey Vardi, History (AB); Spanish (AB2)

Community Organizations

  • The Light House Project
  • Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies
  • Islamic Association of Cary
  • Triangle Association of Muslim American Mothers
  • Jamaat Ibad Ar Rahman
  • Muslim Women For
  • Muslim Inclusion Committee
  • AssAs Salaam Islamic Center in Raleigh
  • Masjid Tawheed wa Sunnah
  • W. Deen Mohammed Islamic Center
  • Al Muslim Net
  • Islamic Association of Raleigh
  • Triangle Muslim Professionals
  • North Durham Masjid
  • Apex Masjid
  • Muslims for Social Justice
  • Al-Razaq Islamic Center
  • Muhammad Mosque No. 34
  • Triangle Muslim Aid
  • Cultural Enrichment Center

Team Contributors

  • David Schanzer, Sanford School of Public Policy

Themes