International Relations 327 - Democratiz. in MidEast/NAfric

'This course provides a historical, theoretical, and empirical foundation to comprehend and question complex dynamics of political change and democratization in the Middle East. In Spring 2011, the region entered an irreversible process of political change and democratization despite strong authoritarian backlash. We will explore: What are the underlying socio-economic causes that led to the eruption of the revolution? What are the Islamic movements and what is their role in political change in the region? What explains the electoral success of Islamic-leaning parties in almost all free and fair elections in this region? Why was the Arab Spring largely contained in authoritarian republics?'

Prereq: Politics 116