Fundamentals of Arab Politics

Catalog description

How do states and political actors in the Arab world survive, adapt, and/or unravel in the face of war, popular pressures, and global shocks? This course is a dynamic introduction to the politics of one of the world's most significant regions. Designed as a gateway to further study and independent research, the course combines "big picture" themes with grounded country case studies. Each week pairs a core political question (e.g., how authoritarian regimes survive, why uprisings emerge, or how geopolitics shapes domestic politics), with an in-depth look at a specific country. We examine topics including state formation, authoritarianism, political Islam, protest movements and uprisings, civil conflict, gender and politics, and regional rivalries. The course connects historical legacies to contemporary developments, with particular attention to the aftermath of the Arab Spring and ongoing regional transformations. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to: (i) analyze the key forces shaping political life across Arab countries; (ii) understand why political trajectories diverge across the region, and (iii) assess how international and regional actors influence domestic politics and conflict. No prior background is required, only intellectual curiosity and an open mind.