This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The focus of this module is the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA region). The region has been at the centre of global politics and security concerns, but is also characterised by strong internal rivalries and conflict. The central emphasis of this module is on the interconnectedness of various issues and ideologies in the MENA region, as well as on the interaction between the politics of global and regional actors.
While the emphasis is on current developments, those are situated in their historical context, with particular attention for the legacy of colonialism, the Arab-Israeli conflict and Western stereotypical thinking about the region (Orientalism). Moving beyond stereotypes, the course highlights complexity and differentiation of the area.
It focuses on the politics, interests, power and identities of key regional actors (Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel), as well as on the role of global powers (the United States, Russia, EU/European states). Both religious divides (Shi'a / Sunni) and political positions are critically analysed, taking into account (self-)perceptions and social construction. The same holds for ideologies, in particular Arab nationalism and the rise of radical Islamism.
Specific issues are extensively dealt with, such as: the conflict in Syria and its internationalisation, the Palestine question, the 'Arab Spring’, energy in a changing context, Saudi-Iran rivalry, Iran’s WMD programme, integration and cooperation (in particular the Gulf Cooperation Council, OPEC).
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours:176
Total study hours: 200
Essay, 5000 words (100%).
Reassessment methods: 100% coursework.
Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Fawcett, L. (2013), International Relations of the Middle East (OUP)
Gasiorowski M. & D. Long (eds.) (2013), The Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (Westview)
Inbar, E. (ed.) (2013), The Arab Spring, Democracy and Security: Domestic and International Ramifications. Abindon, Routledge.
Ehteshami, A. (2015) Globalization and Geopolitics in the Middle East: Old Games, New Rules. Abingdon, Routledge.
Dakhlallah. F. (2012). "The League of Arab States and Regional Security: Towards an Arab Security Community?" In: British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies vol 39(3): 393-212.
Danahar, P. (2015), The New Middle East: The World After the Arab Spring (Bloomsbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1: have a profound understanding of the security dynamics, politics and foreign policies in the MENA region
2: critically analyse politics in the MENA region in its different dimensions (political, security, economic, energy, identity) and within its historical context at an advanced level
3: have a profound understanding of the different actors operating in the MENA region, including the interpenetration of regional and global developments and the interconnectedness of issues and conflicts in the region
4: have an advanced understanding of identities and ideologies in the region (including religion and nationalism) and of their complexity
5: have a profound understanding of the issues of power and power relations in the region and the way those are perceived
6: apply different theoretical interpretations to politics and security in the Middle East
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 work with theoretical knowledge at the forefront of their discipline
2: be aware of the ethical dimensions of the scholarly work done in their discipline in general as well as of their own work in particular
3: have a comprehensive understanding of methods and methodologies in their discipline
4: undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge
5: have an advanced level of conceptual understanding that will allow them to critically evaluate research, advanced scholarship and methodologies and argue alternative approaches
6: be reflective and self-critical in their research work
7: engage in academic and professional communication orally and in writing
8: have independent learning ability required for continuing professional study
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