CPOL 538 Contemporary Middle East I
Assesses factors influencing the domestic and foreign policy issues of contemporary Middle Eastern states. On the domestic level, students will be introduced to major themes and institutions - history, religion, ideology, social setup, the military and security apparatuses, and economic resources - which have shaped the ruling styles and regimes in the region. We will pay particular attention to the pervasiveness of authoritarianism, potential for political reform, and internal security challenges. Case-study emphasis will be given to the states of North Africa (Egypt, Algeria), the Levant (Lebanon, Syria), and the Gulf (Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia). On the international level, we will explore regional trends in interstate conflict, peacemaking and diplomacy, and implications for U.S. policy. Emphasis will be given to the Cold War, Arab-Israeli conflict, as well as more contemporary issues such as non-state actors, and arms control.