Interdisciplinary Lenses
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Transcript of Interdisciplinary Lenses
Interdisciplinary LensesGeographic 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 SyriaQuick 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 ConflictWHAT? Civil conflict between al-Assad supporters (Syrian Armed Forces) and the Free Syrian Army, rebel factions
WHEN? March 2011, 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