PSPA 311 International Politics and the Middle East 2013 (original) (raw)

PSPA 311 International Politics and the Middle East (readings)

This seminar explores how the politics of the Middle East, US policy in the Middle East, and the Middle East as a regional system have been understood and represented through the lens of international relations theory and scholarship. The seminar develops a multilayered approach to understanding the politics of security/insecurity and the shifting regional (dis)order by integrating the role of system-level global powers, regional and transnational actors, and domestic socio- economic and ideological forces to traces shifting patterns since the end of World War II.

Introduction to Middle East Politics - Leading Factors, Actors and Dynamics.pdf

is study has aimed at increasing familiarity of students with regard to major issues in Middle East politics, and providing a framework that would help to analyze regional politics. In this regard, there are two points to be considered. e first one is the necessity of addressing an issue regarding the region th- rough a synchronic and comparative perspective. e second is the fact that any issue addressed in political analyses is a part of a complicated process shaped by interaction of a number of factors in a specific place and historical context. In this study, firstly main factors that are e ective in Middle East politics, such as physical and human geography, economy and history are examined. In the second part, leading actors that play criti- cal roles in regional politics, i.e. states, international organiza- tions and extra-regional powers, and the roles of these actors in Middle East politics are discussed. Lastly, contextual factors that emerge in the Middle East, and regional and global dyna- mics are addressed brie y. It also addressed the question how does structural factors, actors in the region and regional and global dynamics a ect each other.

Mirages and Skirmishes: Demystifying the Politics of the Middle East

The international community treats the Middle Eastern political situation like one would a landmine. Gingerly, cautiously and dangerously are the three watchwords for diplomacy in this region and with good reason. The Middle East, in its dealings with the international system also defies convention in many cases. The convention we speak of is the basic system of functioning for the nation-state actor in today’s scenario. Most of these systems in a similar vein can arguably be attributed to American influence, for the international system is very much American in most of the ideologies it purports. This paper will examine the Middle East in the light of this system in order to state the challenges it poses which may hamper the smooth functioning of the same. To understand the relationships the region has with the international community, this paper will detail the situations of certain key actors in the region. Delving into their domestic politics and governing ideologies for a solid background, this paper will further examine the political and economic ties these actors share with one another. This analysis will serve as a foil to examine these relationships in a global light, with the strategic dimension delving into political relationship and the economic dimension detailing the impact of certain commodities (namely oil and opium) globally and locally. With this base, we can then establish the links between Middle Eastern activity and its threats to the international system as defined by America and the world.

The Modern Middle East: A Political History since the First World War

Book Teaser, 2014

Since it was first published in 2006, this concise overview of the making of the contemporary Middle East has become essential reading for students and general readers who want to gain a better understanding of this diverse region. Writing for a wide audience, Mehran Kamrava takes us from fall of the Ottoman Empire to today, exploring along the way such central issues as the dynamics of economic development, authoritarian endurance, and the Israel-Palestinian conflict. For this new, thoroughly revised edition, he has brought the book fully up to date by incorporating events and issues of the past few years. The Modern Middle East now includes information about the June 2009 Iranian presidential elections and their aftermath, changes precipitated so far by the Obama administration, Israel’s attack on Gaza in 2008, the effects of globalization on economic development, and more.

PSC 449 International Relations of the Middle East Fall 2022 Syllabus

2022

What role should the US play in the Middle East? For over two decades the US has sought to forge, through diplomatic and military means, regional order in the Middle East. The legacies of this effort are unclear as scholars and policymakers still debate what interests were at stake and what goals were achieved. Regardless, today US policymakers and citizens face the pressing question of what the future role of the US should be in the region. Should it withdraw commitments from a region of declining strategic importance (and maybe refocus on great power rivalry), or should it, instead, strengthen ties with regional allies (like Saudi Arabia and Israel) to contain remaining threats and the influence of rival external powers? To better understand the stakes and challenges, this seminar examines US efforts at ordering the region and explores the impact of past and ongoing conflicts on both the security interests of regional states as well as the “human security” of societies across the region. It then considers the changing dynamics of regional politics and considers alternative options for the US policy towards the region.

PSPA 319C US in the MIddle East Syllabus (2017)

This seminar explores the political, economic, and cultural relations between the United States and the Middle East. It seeks to explain the nature of American policy and the role of American non-state/societal actors and institutions though an examination of changing strategic assessments, cultural attitudes, political struggles, socioeconomic forces, and ideological trends within both the US and Middle East. The basis for this seminar is a recognition of the limits of international relations scholarship to explain the nature of US policy and many aspects of the complex relationship between the US and the Middle East. So rather than a survey of the existing literature on US policy (covered in PSPA 237 and PSPA 311), this seminar explores the multidimensional history of political, economic, and cultural relations between the United States and the Middle East. In particular, it suggests that the definition of strategic interests and assessment about how best to pursue them are, in practice, shaped by cultural and ideological constructions, domestic political factors, and the actions of transnational non-state actors such as private firms, NGOs, the media, and expats in the region. Moreover, much of US-Middle East relations is shaped by actors and forces beyond official/executive US policy. Through readings, discussions, and diverse writing assignments the seminar seeks to engage students to critically think about the changing nature of the American presence(s) in the Middle East and the possible future course of US-Middle East relations.

Syllabus: ULU 540 International Relations of the Middle East

2021

This postgraduate course aims to address the major issues in the study of International Relations of the modern Middle East. Attending to profound regional change shaped by shifting geopolitics and capitalism, and the evolving politics and societies in the 20 th and 21 st centuries, the course will focus on a broad range of themes including state formation, war and conflict, political economy, identity, authoritarianism and democratization as well as foreign policies of regional and extra-regional actors in the making of the Middle East. It aspires to acquaint students with a comprehensive vista of the actors, issues and transformation of regional politics, bring together IR and Area Studies perspectives, and provide those who would like to pursue further studies on Middle East politics with the essential knowledge of the region.