Irregular Warfare in Mideast

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This seminar explores the theory and practice of irregular warfare in the contemporary Middle East. Unlike conventional warfare between states, irregular warfare emphasizes asymmetry, population influence, and legitimacy contests, and is often conducted by or through non-state actors. Students will examine how a broad variety of armed non-state actors--insurgents, guerrillas, terrorists, militias, PMCs, criminal groups, and proxy forces-- have shaped the region’s conflicts, as well as how states have adapted with counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and hybrid strategies of their own. The course engages both conceptual debates and empirical case studies, covering topics such as the typologies of irregular warfare; strategies and repertoires of action; the role of ideology, religion, and identity; the use of proxy warfare by regional and global powers; and the impact of irregular warfare on international security. Students will sharpen research, analytical, and communication skills through active seminar discussion, a research presentation, and a final seminar paper.