Macquarie University

Middle-East Politics - POL278

The September 11 terrorist attacks focused world attention on the Middle East and its relations with the West. This unit introduces students to the domestic politics of the Middle East, and to the intellectual and ideological currents shaping those politics. The first weeks are devoted to the contemporary history of the region from the late nineteenth century to the rise of post-colonial states in the area. Broad ranging theoretical concepts necessary for an understanding of Middle Eastern political processes, and different ways of looking at those processes, are considered. The unit then examines in detail the structure of government and the politics of the region. Particular attention is paid to the region's ongoing relations with the West and the current war against terror; the emergence and future prospects of religious fundamentalism; and the rise of Arab nationalism and Zionism. The Arab–Israeli conflict, the 2003 Iraq War and the impact of globalism are also covered.