ASTK12165U Conflicts in the Middle East

Volume 2013/2014
Content

Since the formation of the modern Middle East, states in this region have seen its fair share of conflicts. Many have resulted in all out war, but there are still more that are latent. This course will deal with a variety of conflict typologies and is structured to give the participants an understanding of the modern history of the MENA region in lieu of notions of ethnicity, religion and ideology.

The first half of the course is organized chronologically, dealing with the changes, regionally and internationally, and focusing on the wars. The second half will deal with the post-Cold War configuration and how this has translated into the political landscape that has emerged in the Middle East. A key factor here will be to emphasize the importance of history when dealing with the region and how it can explain the tendencies for conflicts, both in relation to nation states and beyond. Different thematic issues from religious fault lines to ideological clashes will be taken into consideration when trying analyze current events.

The theoretical: The course will draw on a mixture of classical IR theory and more contemporary theoretical approaches to Armed Groups, Proxy War and Regional Dynamics.

The empirical: The main object of the course is to introduce the students to a variety of different sources and perspectives on conflicts in the Middle East. Several important players will be examined ranging from superpowers intervening in the region to non-state actors changing the ‘rules of the game’

Learning Outcome

This course will teach the participants:

  •  Familiarity with the region and, in particular, the chosen cases.
  • The importance of history when dealing with the Middle East.
  • An understanding of the dynamics that drive conflicts in the Middle East.
  • The use of new theoretical frameworks when dealing with specific elements in the region.
  • Applying theoretical frameworks to new developments in the region.
  • Critical reflection on empirical sources.

The final version of the course reading will be available when the course starts. However two basic books for this course that would good to familiarize one self with are: Fawcett, Louise (2013): International Relations of the Middle East (3.ed.), Oxford University Press. Stewardt, Dona J. (2013): The Middle East Today: Political, geographical and cultural perspectives (2.ed.), Routledge. Habeeb, William Mark, Rafael Frankel and Mina Al-Oraibi (2012): The Middle East in Turmoil: Conflict, Revolution, and Change. Greenwood Press (Note that this book is available electronically through the library website and accessible for students).

 

A basic knowledge of IR
In-class sessions will constitute a mixture of lectures, discussions and mandatory student presentations. Additionally there will be a focus on in-class analyses of current events on the basis of the readings. Guest lectures will be incorporated when possible.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 28
  • Exam
  • 79
  • Preparation
  • 168
  • Total
  • 275
Credit
10 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination
Written exam
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment

Criteria for achieving the goals:

  • Grade 12 is given for an outstanding performance: the student lives up to the course's goal description in an independent and convincing manner with no or few and minor shortcomings
  • Grade 7 is given for a good performance: the student is confidently able to live up to the goal description, albeit with several shortcomings
  • Grade 02 is given for an adequate performance: the minimum acceptable performance in which the student is only able to live up to the goal description in an insecure and incomplete manner