Peering Through the Artificial Looking Glass: AI and the Middle East
Take a journey through the AI looking glass to examine how intelligent technologies are reshaping the Middle East. This seminar provides a critical perspective on AI, moving beyond the hype to probe its emerging influence across the region’s economies, societies, politics, and cultures.
Blending theory with regional insights, we will interpret AI’s impacts on issues from climate change and labor markets to surveillance and geopolitics. The course catalyzes debate on AI’s promises and perils, equipping students to assess its transformative potential with wisdom and nuance.
Lectures situate empirical studies within conceptual frameworks like Crawford’s “Atlas of AI.” Multidisciplinary readings and discussions consider how AI could either entrench or transform power structures. Student projects analyze AI case studies, from Emirati space programs to Saudi data initiatives.
This seminar charts AI’s expansion across a complex region. It eschews simplistic techno-utopian narratives, favoring nuanced and evidence-based perspectives. Join us as we peer critically yet optimistically through the artificial looking glass at the Middle East’s unfolding AI future.
1. Tue 16.4.2024 12–2 reading time // self study
Use this day/week to read the information here on the course, assigments, participation, etc. and the introduction to Crawford’s text. There will be no introductory session; we will jump right into discussions on Tuesday, April 23.
2. Tue 23.4.2024 12–2 Introduction
Introduction to the course, discussion of the “Atlas of AI,” and its relevance to Middle Eastern studies.
Assignment: Critically examine potential cultural biases and blindspots in the “Atlas of AI” framework from a Middle Eastern perspective. What important contexts or viewpoints may be missing or underrepresented? Provide specific examples. (Due April 19)
3. Tue 30.4.2024 1PM–1:45PM Earth
The environmental impact of AI technologies in the Middle East.
Assignemnt: Research an environmental AI use case or company in the Middle East (e.g. water management, renewable energy, etc.). Write a blog post evaluating the potential environmental impacts through the lens of the “Earth” chapter. (Due April 26)
Further reading: In water-starved Middle East, large ChatGPT data centers are a threat” (Al-Monitor).
4. Tue 7.5.2024 12–2 reading time // self-study
Time to work out the next assignment.
5. Tue 14.5.2024 1PM–1:45PM Labor
AI’s influence on the labor market and economy in the Middle East.
Assignment: In an individual or group blog post, investigate how a particular industry/sector in the Middle East may be impacted by AI and automation in the workforce. What opportunities and risks exist? (Due May 10)
Further reading: “How can the Middle East lead in AI innovation and growth while addressing job displacement” (Fast Company Middle East).
6. Tue 21.5.2024 1PM–1:45PM Data
Data management, governance, and AI-driven analytics in the Middle East.
Assignemnt: Data governance case study. Analyze a real data management policy or issue related to AI in a Middle Eastern country. Write a blog post with critique and/or recommendations. (Due May 17)
Further reading: “Informatica Launches UAE Region’s First Intelligent Data Management Cloud” (Informatica).
7. Tue 28.5.2024 1PM–1:45PM Classification
AI-enhanced identification and biometrics in the Middle East.
Assignment: Controversial technology analysis. Research and write a blog post about a use of AI classification/identification technology in the region (facial recognition, etc.) and discuss the pros, cons and ethics involved. (Due May 24)
Further reading: “AI-enhanced identification: A danger in the Middle East?” (DW).
8. Tue 4.6.2024 1PM–1:45PM Affect
AI and emotion recognition in the Middle East.
Assignment: Write a blog post exploring cultural perspectives and potential sensitivities around emotion recognition AI in different Middle Eastern contexts. (Due May 31)
Further reading: “The inside out model of emotion recognition” (Scientific Reports).
9. Tue 11.6.2024 1PM–1:45PM State
AI in state surveillance and governance in the Middle East.
Assignment: Investigative blog post. Outline an example of a Middle Eastern government’s use of AI for surveillance, security or social control. Analyze potential benefits and risks. (Due June 7)
Further reading: “The technical is geopolitical: Expanding US-UAE relations through AI” (Middle East Institute).
10. Tue 18.6.2024 1PM–1:45PM reading time // self-study
Time to work out the next assignment.
11. Tue 25.6.2024 1PM–1:45PM Power
Geopolitical and economic implications of AI in the Middle East.
Assignment: Geopolitical impacts analysis blog post. How could the rise of AI exacerbate or mitigate existing regional power dynamics and tensions in the Middle East? (Due June 21)
Further reading: “Spending on AI in Middle East and Africa region ‘to soar to $3 billion in 2023′” (The National News).
12. Tue 2.7.2024 1PM–1:45PM Space
The role of AI in space exploration and its regional implications in the Middle East.
Assignment: In student groups, research and present blog posts showcasing innovative space/satellite AI initiatives by Middle Eastern nations. Assess potential applications and implications. (Due June 28)
Further reading: “Abu Dhabi announces new AI space initiative” (Yalla Abu Dhabi Life).
13. Tue 9.7.2024 1PM–1:45PM Conclusion
Synthesis of course learnings, final discussions, and student presentations.
Assignment: Through the lens of postcolonial theory and Middle Eastern cultural studies, analyze how the development and use of AI technologies could potentially reinforce or disrupt existing power structures and cultural narratives in the region. Ground your analysis in specific examples and case studies from the course. (Due July 5)
14. Tue 16.7.2024 12–2 Individual follow-up
Assignment: Recap blog post integrating key lessons from the course and proposing additions to or refinements of the Atlas of AI from the perspectives of studying the Middle East. (Due July 22)