Dr Katerina Dalacoura & Professor Amnon Aran

This course examines the contemporary Middle East with an emphasis on how new power dynamics are reshaping the region's pre-existing cleavages.

It covers a range of substantive topics and issues, such as: the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and Arab-Israeli relations; the influence of non-state actors such as Hamas and Hizbullah; and regional balances between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

It dives deeply into domestic political developments, including those that have emerged in the decade since the "Arab Spring." More broadly, it places the region at the intersection of global and local politics, examining the roles played by the United States, Russia, and the European Union.

Throughout, students will be challenged to think through the difficult circumstances and dilemmas that decision-makers face in the region and beyond. Thus the course will enable students to situate, contextualise, and understand the latest developments within the Middle East.