Readers and Curious Minds,
Welcome to INSpire, the student-led journal of the Department of International Studies at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). This platform is more than a collection of academic papers—it is a vibrant tapestry of ideas, a testament to intellectual courage, and a bridge connecting disciplines, cultures, and
generations. Rooted in the interdisciplinary ethos of our department, INSpire thrives at the intersections of Anthropology, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology. These fields serve as lenses to examine global complexities, from identity politics to the ripple effects of globalization. Here, you will encounter research that challenges assumptions, probes historical legacies, and grapples with contemporary issues—all united by a commitment to rigor, creativity, and the belief that scholarship
fosters empathy and equity.
INSpire amplifies marginalized narratives and questions dominant paradigms. Students bring unique cultural and disciplinary perspectives to their work, whether analyzing power structures in the Middle East, tracing migration’s sociocultural impacts in the Gulf, or investigating gender dynamics in governance. Each contribution underscores that knowledge evolves through the questions we ask, the
stories we elevate, and the communities we engage.
To our student authors and editors: This digital space is your platform and legacy. The peer-review process, guided by faculty and student editors, reflects academia’s collaborative spirit—ideas honed through dialogue, critique, and revision. Whether aspiring to academia, policymaking, or any field requiring critical thinking, this experience cultivates intellectual humility, attention to detail, and the
courage to engage complexity.
To our readers: Explore scholarship that defies simplicity. Delve into ethnographic studies of UAE diasporic communities, philosophical critiques of digital surveillance, or historical analyses of cultural hybridity in post-colonial states. Each piece, rigorously researched and thoughtfully argued, strives to meet the highest standards of academic integrity while embracing the accessibility of an online format.
To the AUS community and beyond: INSpire is an invitation to question, collaborate, and recognize that today’s challenges demand interdisciplinary solutions. In a world shaped by diverse experiences, embracing unfamiliar perspectives sparks innovation.
Let INSpire ignite curiosity, challenge assumptions, and affirm that every voice matters in the chorus of human understanding. Here’s to the thinkers, storytellers, and bridge-builders—may your work continue to inspire.
Warm regards,
Yuting Wang, PhD
Professor of Sociology and Head
Department of International Studies
American University of Sharjah
INSpire 