International Relations 322 - Intern'l Polit of Middle East

This course aims to provide historical, empirical and theoretical foundation in order to help students comprehend and question complex dynamics of regional politics in the Middle East. The relations among major regional powers as well as their relations with global powers will be examined. Topics that will be discussed in some detail include the place and importance of the Middle East in international system, prospects of regional politics in the context of the Arab Spring, role of regional inter-state organizations including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, regional and international political implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, growing regional influence of Iran and Turkey, and foreign policies of external powers, most specifically the United States.