Rethinking Pan-Arabism: an analysis of the challenges of a Utopian ideology

Through a systematic analysis, this study explores the feasibility of turning the Pan-Arabism ideology into a reality. We trace five challenges to the ideology, dividing them into inherent and secondary difficulties. Two inherent challenges made pan-Arabism almost an impossible idea from its outset. The first is religion and sectarianism, and the second is tribalism. The secondary challenges, which include the struggle over leadership, contesting Arab and non-Arab ideologies, and the attitude toward Israel, hampered the realization of the idea. Reviewing the causes of the collapse of the pan-Arabism ideology leads us to conclude that this notion was a mere unachievable dream. Moreover, even as a propaganda tool, pan-Arabism is veiling the aspirations and ambitions of different Arab politicians.