Islam and Politics in the Modern Middle East

3.0 credits · Undergraduate

This course examines the relationship between Islam and politics in the modern Middle East and broader Muslim world. Drawing on political science, religious studies, and historical approaches, the course explores the emergence of Islamism, the role of religion in state formation, colonialism and anti-colonial movements, Islamic states, democratization, political violence, nationalism, globalization, and post-Islamism. Students will consider questions such as: Why did political Islam emerge as a powerful force in the twentieth century? How did colonialism and the decline of empires reshape political and religious identities? Why did some anti-colonial movements turn to religion rather than secular nationalism or liberalism as a basis for political mobilization? How have different Islamist movements adapted to democratic politics, state power, and globalization? Through comparative case studies from Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine, Algeria, Afghanistan, and beyond, the course investigates the diverse ways Islam and politics interact in the contemporary world.