Module code: POLM081
Credits: 30.0
Semester: SEM2
Contact: Prof Christopher Phillips
This module gives students the opportunity to study the international relations of the Middle East through the lens of contemporary conflict. The Middle East is often characterized as the most conflict-ridden region of the world. This module seeks to explore firstly if that is an accurate assessment and secondly why so many conflicts have occurred in this region. Focusing on the contemporary Middle East, while also discussing recent history, `conflict' is broadly defined to mean not just wars, but also contested politics. Exploration of these conflicts will be framed by international relations theory and the theories of civil conflicts. The module will first consider the key state (and non-state) actors involved in many of these conflicts, whether regional (Turkey, Iran, Saudi, Israel, UAE/Qatar) or international (US, Russia, China). Thereafter, we will explore different conflict case studies each week in which these rivalries have play out and interacted with domestic politics: Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Kurdistan, Palestine and Libya.
Connected course(s): UDF DATA
Assessment: 100.0% Coursework
Level: 7
