Middle East Studies 217 - ​International Relations and Regional Order in the Middle East

The focus of this lecture course will be on the dynamics of inter-state relations in the broader Middle East (encompassing Turkey, Israel, and Iran). It will provide a brief introduction to relevant theoretical frameworks that have been used to explain the international and regional relations of the Middle East. It then applies these theoretical frameworks through in-depth attention to a wide range of themes and cases. In addition to readings on specific cases, the course will cover the origins and development of the Arab state system, alliance dynamics, the effects of oil on international relations, war and international relations, and the domestic sources of Middle East international relations.