Theories of International Relations and Realities of the Middle East

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This upper-level seminar represents an attempt to combine general theories and concepts of international relations with the empirical reality (or realities) of the contemporary Middle East in general, and the Arab-Israeli conflict in particular. The course is divided into three main sections. In the first section, we will discuss general theories and concepts of international relations, alternating each general discussion with a specific implementation and discussion about the Middle East. The relevant theories and concepts will be power and alliances (Realism); interdependence, globalization, transnational actors and integration (Liberalism); international law and sovereignty (the Grotian approach), and norms and identity (Constructivism). In the second section, we will focus on theories and concepts related to war and peace. Finally, in the third section students will present their term papers