Political Econ of Identity Pol

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

What are the origins, drivers, and consequences of identity politics? The Middle East and Gulf regions feature social distinctions and political conflicts centered around a diverse array of identities, including religion and religious denomination, tribal affiliation, nationality, class, and still others. Are these divisions a reflection of primordial animosity between different groups, or do they have their basis in more mundane competition over economic resources? And which methodological tools offer assistance in untangling such alternative explanations? This course gives an introduction into the political economy of identity politics, with special attention to the MENA/Gulf case. Students will become familiar with historical and contemporary understandings of the region’s identity-based politics, along with the social science methods that have attended this theoretical development. Emerging insights from public opinion, survey, and experimental research will receive special attention (but no statistical background is required).