The Syrian Conflict in Historical Context

3 units

This course examines Syria and its on-going civil war through the lens of historical forces that forged the region's heterodox communities. It will identify the region's Christian and Islamic inheritances. It will investigate the history of great power tensions over Syria. It will explore New Silk Road economic development corridors. It will assess Russia's historic interests in the region. Finally, it will debate the implications of an emerging Kurdish homeland in Northern Syria and beyond. Topics include: Kurdish question, Sykes-Picot Agreement, New Cold War, Silk Road infrastructure corridors.