EgyptSyria 20th-21st Century

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This seminar explores the intertwined histories of Egypt and Syria—two nations whose trajectories alternately converged and diverged amid the transformative events of the “long” 20th century. From shared experiences under imperial rule to the ambitious yet short-lived experiment of unification in the United Arab Republic (UAR), Egypt and Syria offer a compelling case study of cooperation, rivalry, and resilience. Key moments of unity, such as the formation of the UAR in the late 1950s and the joint military offensive of October 6, 1973, highlight their collaborative efforts. In contrast, episodes of division—such as the aftermath of the 1973 war, Egypt’s realignment with the United States following the Camp David Accords, and Syria’s enduring reliance on Soviet and later Russian support—underscore their divergent paths. The course follows these dynamics into the early 21st century, examining the upheavals of the Arab Spring and the protracted Syrian civil war. By situating these events within a region shaped by colonial legacies, ideological struggles, and persistent economic challenges, the seminar provides a valuable lens for understanding the complexities of the modern Middle East. Students will engage with key themes central to the modern histories of Egypt and Syria, including the trauma of World War I, anti-colonial resistance, the rise of nationalism, and the challenges of modernization. The course also examines the evolution of regional ideologies such as Arab socialism, Pan-Arabism, Ba‘thism/Assadism, militarism, and political Islam, while analyzing the influence of global forces like the Cold War and the Arab-Israeli conflict on domestic and regional politics. While political history serves as an essential foundation, the course moves beyond “history from above” to center on the lived experiences of ordinary people. Their struggles, aspirations, and resilience played a crucial role in shaping national trajectories, often in ways that challenged dominant power structures. To deepen this exploration, students will engage with diverse historiographical approaches—including social, cultural, gender and women’s, diplomatic, and microhistory—developing a critical understanding of how various theoretical frameworks have shaped interpretations of these nations’ pasts. By challenging dominant narratives and foregrounding marginalized voices, the course encourages students to appreciate the region’s rich, complex, and often overlooked historical dimensions.