Public MA Viva-Voce Examination of Mr. Bakil Al-Ezzi Ali Al-Humaini, from the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts & Humanities – Sana’a University
Mr. Bakil Al-Ezzi Ali Al-Humaini has successfully awarded the MA Degree with distinction of 95%, majoring in Political Philosophy, from the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts & Humanities – Sana’a University. His thesis, titled “The Peace Project in Kant’s Philosophy and Its Impact on Contemporary Political Thought: An Analytical Critical Study,” was defended on Thursday, Sha’aban 28, 1446 Hijri, corresponding to February 27, 2025.
The Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
1. Prof. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Saadi, Internal Examiner, Sana’a University, Chair.
2. Dr. Sami Ameen Ataa, External Examiner, Aden University, Member.
3. Prof. Hameed Ali Iskandar, Main Supervisor, Sana’a University, Member.
The primary objective of the thesis was to revisit the Kantian peace project, examining its applicability amidst the evident disjunction between theoretical frameworks and practical realities. The research sought to ascertain the relevance of Kant’s ideas in addressing contemporary global challenges characterized by fragmentation, rapid developments, and significant international political changes, particularly those related to technology and weapons of mass destruction.
In his research, Al-Humaini arrived at several pivotal conclusions and recommendations, including:
1. The state possesses the authority to declare war and establish peace, serving as the foundation for societal integrity. The concept of the social contract is posited as the legitimacy underpinning modern state authority and its governance system, forming a crucial basis for peace.
2. Various sources of peace highlight the imperative of fostering harmony among peoples, attributing disruptions in peace to governmental corruption and poverty. Conversely, the realization of peace is linked to the state’s commitment to justice, citizenship, and democratic principles.
3. Kant’s stipulations regarding peace treaties emphasize the necessity of good faith and transparency in addressing outstanding issues to prevent the recurrence of war. He advocated for state sovereignty and the right to self-determination for peoples while rejecting the practice of states leasing their armies to one another. Kant also called for a moral framework among belligerents to sustain trust during peacetime.
4. The establishment of cooperative systems among nations is essential, advocating for a union with an independent executive body (such as the United Nations) that recognizes global citizenship rights and defines diplomatic relations and interactions with foreigners in host countries.
The thesis culminated in several recommendations:
1. It is imperative for the global community, through its governments, to transcend existing frameworks governing international peace mechanisms. A reform process must be initiated to facilitate the establishment of modern peace by transforming conflictual issues into shared interests, with governments playing a pivotal role in creating new avenues for engagement and fostering international public opinion that can exert pressure on corrupt and aggressive regimes.
2. There is a pressing need to confront capitalism and utilize all lawful and peaceful means to bridge economic disparities among nations, combat poverty, modernize educational systems, and pursue comprehensive development for all global populations. Efforts should be directed towards curbing the avarice of major powers, abolishing the VETO power that undermines the efficacy of the United Nations, promoting a multipolar international system, and re-evaluating the United Nations Charter and its foundational principles through inclusive reformulation that safeguards the independence of all nations while addressing issues such as extremism, international terrorism perpetrated by dominant states against smaller nations, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, environmental degradation, and cultural disdain.
3. The discussion centered on the principle of integration, emphasizing the interdependence of democracy, peace, security, and economic development. It highlighted the necessity of fostering cooperative peace that facilitates the engagement of local actors in global issues while promoting reconciliation among former adversaries. This approach advocates for collaborative development across various sectors of civil society, which can lead to the establishment of mutual interests among peoples and the cultivation of innovative diplomatic strategies. Such strategies aim to address the challenges posed by national borders between neighboring countries, transforming these regions from contested territories into vibrant areas enriched with developmental projects. This transformation would be achieved through the establishment of significant investment and industrial initiatives along the borders, wherein the stakeholders from the participating countries collaborate and invest in projects located on their respective territories.
The Viva-Voce was attended by several academics, researchers, students, and several colleagues and family members of the researcher.
A video from the Viva-Voce
