International Relations of the Middle East (SZF_023)
About Study Course
Objective
The objective of the course International Relations in the Middle East is to introduce students to the main historical developments in international relations in the Middle East region in the 20th century and how they relate to the present day. The course will examine the developments within the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of international relations, which will provide students with an understanding of the role of the Middle East region in the study of contemporary international relations, as well as enable them to apply the knowledge gained in other courses to the analysis of the actions of countries in the region within the international system. At the same time, students will be introduced to research concepts in international relations of the Third World and post-colonial countries: omnibalancing, regime security, Arab street, etc. These will complement the Western perspective on international relations previously covered in the studies and will allow for a better understanding of the facets of foreign policy-making in Middle Eastern
countries.
Prerequisites
No specific prior knowledge of the Middle East issues is required.
Learning outcomes
The course will provide students with the knowledge to identify the main developments in international relations in the Middle East in the 20th century and an understanding of their impact on the current situation in the region. The student should also be able to identify the main international players involved in the region (USA, Russia, China, EU, etc.) and their foreign policy interests. Students will be able to understand the characteristics of the Middle East regional system and its impact on national decision-making processes.
The course develops students’ critical thinking skills and their ability to assimilate large amounts of information. The simulation games will also develop debating, teamwork and consensus-building skills that can be useful when working in public administration, international institutions and the private sector.
Students will be able to orient in the main theoretical concepts of international relations in the Middle East and to apply them both to the analysis of political processes in the region and to the research of international relations.
