Politics of the Middle East

Catalog description

The goal of this course is to provide a nuanced understanding of Middle Eastern politics while fostering analytical skills. We will analyze contemporary political processes, starting from the establishment of nation-states and consolidation of authoritarianisms in the region, and working our way toward the Arab Spring and the authoritarian backlash that followed. Throughout the course, we will think about the key factors that shape politics in the region, specifically trying to critically think about 'Middle East exceptionalism' -the idea that authoritarianism is widespread and persistent in the region, more so than anywhere else in the world. This is a comparative politics course that integrates history with international relations through a comparative lens, and as a result, its focus is on the development of state-society relations. The topics covered here are pertinent to current international debates related to populism, nationalism, the rise of authoritarianism, and challenges to democracy and democratic institutions. Junior standing required. Fulfills Core Requirements: Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) and Diversity (DIV).