University of Management and Technology

Course Title: Politics of Middle East Course Code: IR473

Course Instructor: Abdul Rehman Ajmal
Degree Program: BS International Relations
Course Overview:
This course covers the middle east’s historical, geographical, political, and social aspects
from the 16th century to the present day. The course introduces the term “Middle East,” its
origins, and geographical location on the world map. Then, topics like the emergence of the
Ottoman Empire in the 16th century till its collapse in the 20th century, the colonial rule in the
region and its effects on the same, the involvement of middle east countries in the cold war,
and its aftermath have been discussed. Themes like nationalism, identity, Islam, and its
connection with economics and politics have been emphasised in the course. Finally, the
study concludes with an overall assessment of the ongoing conflicts in the region.
Learning Outcomes/Objectives:
The course objective is to make students informed about the political happening of Pakistan’s
neighbouring region, “The Middle East.” It aims at making them aware of the links between
religion, politics, and the economy. By the end of the course, students will understand the
region’s dynamics and the more critical aspects in the middle east than elsewhere. Students
are also expected to understand the application of International Relations theory in the middle
east.

Distribution of Marks:
Following is the distribution scheme for the course:
Class Participation: 5%
Quizzes: 10%
Presentation: 10%
Research Paper: 10%
Midterm: 25%
Final Term: 40%
Total: 100%
Core Text:
An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, Second Edition
International Relations of the Middle East by Louise Fawcett, 4th ed
Contemporary Politics in the Middle East by Beverley Milton Edwards, 3rd ed
Suggested Reading:
The Government and Politics of The Middle East and North Africa, 8th Ed, by Mark
Gasiorowski & Sean L. Yom

Week Wise Breakdown of Topics

Week 1: Defining Middle East

(Core Reading: Contemporary Politics in the Middle East by Beverley Milton Edwards, 3rd
ed, Introduction, Page 4-18)

Week 2: The Ottoman Empire and its Legacy in the Middle East
(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 1,
Page 1-26)

Week 3: The Colonial Period in the Middle East

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 2,
Page 27-62)

Week 4: The Cold War and the New International Relations of the Middle East

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 3,
Page 63-96)

Week 5-6: Nationalism, Islamism and the Politics of Ideology

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 4,
Page 97-138)

Week 7: Oil, Economy, and Development in the Middle East

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 6,
Page 169-196)

Mid-term

Week 8: The Military, Security, and Politics in the Middle East

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 7,
Page 197-232)

Week 9: Authoritarianism in the Middle East

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 8,
233-260)

Week 10: International Relations Theory and the Middle East

(Core Reading: International Relations of the Middle East by Louise Fawcett, 4th ed, Ch 1,
Page 21-38)

Week 11: Israel, the Palestinians, and the Peace Process

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 5,
Page 139-168)

Week 12: Democratisation and the Arab Uprisings

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch 9,
Page 261-288)

Week 13: US Military Intervention in the Middle East

(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch
10, Page 289-332)

Week 14: The Syrian Conflict and the Syrian Refugee Crisis
(Core Reading: An Introduction to Middle East Politics by Benjamin MacQueen, 2nd ed, Ch
11, Page 333-358)
Week 15: Current Issues in Middle East Politics

Final term