POLI4593 · Political Science

International Relations of the Middle East

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

This course is class-restricted to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Media coverage of the Middle East increases by the day, but in-depth knowledge of the region and its politics remain in short supply. Why has the Middle East seemingly experienced so much conflict? How do ethnic and religious identities, domestic politics, and the balance of power between nations help explain state behavior in the region? What explains variation in the political situation of Middle Eastern states since the beginning of the Arab Spring? This course will address the international relations of the Middle East from World War I to today, with a focus on recent events involving the civil wars in Syria and Yemen, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the ongoing pullback of the United States from the region.In addition to its topical focus, this course could rightly be called a methods course. Students in the class will learn how to improve their analytical thinking, conduct high quality research, and present an effective argument, both orally and in writing. They will learn the potential and pitfalls of theories of international relations through constant analysis and engagement with the modern history of the Middle East. By the conclusion of the course, students will emerge not only with a far richer understanding of the region and its politics, but also as more sophisticated consumers, analysts, and producers of knowledge.