Contenu du sommaire

Frank Neisse and Alexandra Novosseloff, Does the Multiplication of Border Walls Point to a Divided World? Walls built around the world since the end of the Cold War are intended as a response to “deterritorialization” and divisions that are in turn consequences of globalization and the emergence of new threats. Thanks to technological advances, these walls can now be “virtual”. However, regardless of their nature, they can only be an immediate fix – the short-term solution to a long-term problem. Walls contain problems but do not resolve them.

Cédric Parizot, From One Wall to Another: the Separation as Seen by the Israelis (2002-2010) Israel's West Bank wall has not achieved its intended purpose of creating a territorial divide between Israelis and Palestinians. The wall is unfinished, yet its apparent length is deceptive because of the existence of various other checking devices (check points, electronic sensors, an earth-covered “trace road”, Israeli settlements, etc.). Based on an ethnographic study, this article considers the various factors that, in spite of this, have led a great many Israelis to internalize the idea of a separation from the Palestinians.

Emmanuelle Le Texier, United States/Mexico: from Intelligent Border to Internal Wall During the campaign for US mid-term elections, an intense debate has taken place over immigration and security issues. The construction of the metal wall between the US and Mexico has become a symbol of a new management of security issues, de-bordering the border. The “smart border” has also been turned into an instrument of internal control and immigration management. Paradoxically, the increased militarization of the border has led to increased insecurity on the Mexican side and is confronted with a growing globalization and economic integration in the region.

Jean-François Drevet, Cyprus: Between Partition and Reunification From 1974 to 2003 the Cypriot border remained impassable. It remains to be seen whether Turkey's new foreign policy will hasten unification. The US and the UK could play a more decisive role, but to do so their positions would have to be drastically modified. It is presumably up to the EU to help create a new legal and political framework within which the island can find a path to unity.

Jon Calame, Divided Cities: Minorities behind the Wall Divided cities (Belfast, Beirut, Nicosia, Jerusalem, Mostar, etc.) bear witness to more than the punctually unbearable aspect of inter-community conflict; they also represent the regrettable result of a wider failure of local governments, of the intolerance caused by sectarian entrepreneurs, or in short, the failure of the urban contract. Because of its high cost in both monetary and human terms, physical partition should be avoided, even though the mechanisms of such partition suggest that prevention is to some degree possible.

Mohamed Fall ould Bah, Islamic Financial Services in Africa The Islamic financial system has made its mark. Born from the awakening of political Islam, financial globalization gave Islamic banking a strong boost. Islamic banking is still poorly represented in Africa but it could easily undergo further expansion in the near future via investment banking and the accelerated development of microfinance. This would open up interesting prospects for sovereign wealth funds and foreign investment.

Ferdaous Bouhlel Hardy, Madrassas in Mali – Bringing about Reform, Insertion and Transnationalizaton of Islamic Knowledge This popular Sunni Islam, soon to be institutionalized, stems both from a rejection of the colonial order and a reform of Islamic education, as represented by madrassas, and has brought along new social norms and practices. Madrassas have been pivotal in the changes within Malian society, gradually creating a new Muslim identity – one that is open to exchange with other nations and that subtly influences Mali's politics.

Jean-Louis Triaud, Tijaniyya – A Muslim Religious Order that Transcends Nations
Within Muslim societies, the strong presence of religion continues to be a determining factor in terms of civil and social organization; in this respect, religious orders play a key role. Influential from Maghreb to Western Sahel, Tijaniyya is one such religious order, and the most courted by politicians. The order's positions and actions serve as unofficial guidelines for governments in the region, often transcending the usual rifts to form a true community across nations.

Bakary Sambe, Tijaniyya: Diplomatic Traditions of a Sufi Order For Southern societies, religion remains paramount. It weighs increasingly in relations between states. Religion is also a significant channel of influence towards Sub-Saharan societies. In relations between Senegal and Morocco, for instance, the Tijani Sufi order is one such vector and has emerged as an undeniable actor. Similarly, religion is at the very heart of rivalry between Algeria and Morocco.

Mathilde Le Clainche and Frédéric Pesme, The Arctic: a Strategic Crossover Will the Great North be the battleground of 21st century territorial claims? The Arctic's ever-changing landscape – as caused by global warming – is an environmental challenge, as well as the subject of territorial disputes relative to energy resources and international commerce. The partitioning of the Arctic's potential resources to neighboring countries has been the topic of all-out disputes. If the current leaning towards militarization escalates to a new zone of conflict, regional strategic ambitions will have to be resolved by a specifically-created multilateral legal framework.

Isabelle Saint-Mézard, Rivalry between India and Pakistan in Post-2001 Afghanistan Afghanistan is the scene of a power struggle between Pakistan and India, with both countries attempting to protect their best interests in terms of security. India is determined to counter Pakistani influence, a task it has set out to accomplish through various programs. Pakistan's goal is to prevent a Kabul/New Delhi axis that would put Pakistan in the back seat. The future of this rivalry is dependent on two factors, namely negotiations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the possible improvement of bilateral relations between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Gaylor Rabu, Geopolitics of Ageing Populations in the 21st Century The key change in demographics will soon be the ageing of populations – a change that will affect both developed and developing countries. The ageing of populations will have a series of internal impacts on developed countries. The financing of social systems and budget arbitrage will be affected, as will the leanings of the electorate. This change in demographics will also modify power relationships between nations as their populations age prematurely, preventing them from reaping the benefits of their development.

Jan Herman Brinks, Precarious Democracy in the Netherlands: Geert Wilders and Islam The accession of Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) to government is a turning point in a traditionally democratic and multicultural country. The PVV has thrived on the social identity crisis the Netherlands seems to be undergoing. The difficult integration of Muslim populations, as well as the increasing rift between Dutch and European policy, have only weakened the democratic pact and increased wariness towards the country's traditional political parties.