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Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Middle East security research programme launches at Durham University
(13 September 2012)
HH Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah and Prof Chris Higgins
Durham University has welcomed HH Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah of Kuwait, Professor Rasha al-Sabah, and a delegation of guests to mark the UK launch of a new international research programme.
A generous gift from His Highness of £2.5million has enabled Durham University’s School of Government and International Affairs to establish in perpetuity the Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Programme in International Relations, Regional Politics and Security which will promote research underpinning a greater understanding of Middle Eastern societies and cultural understanding between our two countries.
The Al-Sabah Programme will improve understanding of the security of sovereign nations, in particular the smaller and more vulnerable states in the Middle East and beyond, and identify those factors which can lead to insecurity and how external powers and bodies such as the United Nations Security Council can respond.
Research into such matters within the Al-Sabah Programme at the University will yield immense benefit to decision makers, policy analysts and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the world stage.
Durham University has had research and educational links with Kuwait and the Gulf for over 100 years in areas such as archaeology, geography, politics, government and energy. His Highness’s son Sabah and many other prominent Kuwaitis are alumni of Durham University. His Highness Sheikh Nasser first visited Durham in 1984 when Chairman of the Petroleum Information Committee of Kuwait.
The Programme is led by the HH Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Chair, Professor Anoush Ehteshami, who drives the research agenda of the Programme.
The Programme also provides dedicated support for postgraduate and doctoral students in the area of international and regional security; organises international conferences and symposia; and aims, through its publication series, to disseminate the best new and innovative research and analysis on regional politics and related security matters.
The launch event, which featured a symposium on ‘Asianisation of the Middle East’,was held inThe Great Hall of Durham Castle, University College, which is part of Durham University’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: "Durham University is extremely grateful for the generous support we have received from HH Sheikh Nasser for its students, education, intercultural activities and research.”
Durham University Professor Anoush Ehteshami, Director of the Al-Sabah Programme and Joint Director of the UK’s Centre for the Advanced Study of the Arab World, said: “This research programme will have a dynamic and lasting effect on decision-making with respect to governance and the security of nations worldwide.”
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