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Interdisciplinary Lenses. Geographic Inquiry. The Need for the Full Picture. When we examine issues in isolation, we risk not getting the “full picture ”
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Interdisciplinary Lenses Geographic Inquiry
The Need for the Full Picture • When we examine issues in isolation, we risk not getting the “full picture” • We must analyze issues from an interdisciplinary perspective in order to fully comprehend the issue, which is necessary for developing sustainable solutions • Geography’s Interdisciplinary Lenses * Social * Political * Economic * Environmental * Cultural
Crisis in Syria Quick overview behind the turmoil in Syria
Overview • Syria is located in the Middle East • Diverse physical geography (plains, highlands, deserts) • Culturally diverse population of 20.8 million • Sunni Muslim majority (74%), Shia Muslim minority • Been under authoritarian rule of the Assad regime since 1970 – Baa’th Party • Bashir al-Assad is a member of the minority Alawite Shia sect • Political dissent is met with imprisonment, torture, disappearances etc. • Government corruption is rampant, horrendous human rights record, economic and political policies favour the elite minority • Allies include Russia and Iran
Current Conflict WHAT? Civil conflict between al-Assad supporters (Syrian Armed Forces) and the Free Syrian Army, rebel factions WHEN? March2011, extension of the Arab Spring WHERE? Started in Deraa, now entire country embroiled WHY? • Years of repressive rule, social and economic hardship • Desire for democracy, pro-democracy movement in the region • Controversy over how the country should be governed • Factions within the anti-Assad fighters
Conflict Map • Mapping the conflict is extremely challenging!
Group Challenge • Access the Google doc that was shared with you entitled “Interdisciplinary Lenses. ” • Use the lens you have been assigned to identify the causes and implications of the Syrian crisis