Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM082: International Relations of the Middle East

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: to introduce students to the diversity and depth of an International Relations (IR) analysis of MENA politics; to discuss the application to this region of general IR theories, theories of regionalism and foreign policy analysis; to develop critical analysis of sources, paradigms, writers and policies; and to deepen students’ knowledge of key events, trends and actors in the region.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of key issues in the International politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA);
2. demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of the actors, dynamics and trends in the regional politics;
3. demonstrate familiarity with, and critical application of, the main analytical frameworks that relate to the international relations of the MENA
Discipline-Specific Skills4. find, use and analyse secondary and primary data relevant to specific issue areas;
5. place contemporary issues in larger contexts;
6. deploy critical arguments in analysing issues and evaluating sources
Personal and Key Skills7. work independently and in groups including the presentation of material for group discussion;
8. demonstrate strong analytical skills; digest, select and organise material; and
9. demonstrate excellent writing skills including the ability to produce well organised and coherent essays to a deadline; practice in articulating and defending positions on the seminar topics

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

  • Fawcett, L. (ed.) (2013) International Relations of the Middle East (3rd ed.) (Oxford University Press).
  • Hinnebusch, R. (2015) The International Politics of the Middle East (2nd ed.) (Manchester University Press).
  • Halliday, F. (2005) The Middle East in International Relations (Cambridge University Press).
  • Hinnebusch, R. and A. Ehteshami (eds.) (2014) The Foreign Policies of Middle East States (2nd ed.) (Lynne Rienner).
  • Korany, B. and A.E.H. Dessouki (eds.) (2008) The Foreign Policies of Arab States: The Challenge of Globalization (3rd ed.) (AUC Press).
  • Adler, E., F. Bicchi, B. Crawford and R.A. del Sarto (eds.) The Convergence of Civilizations: Constructing a Mediterranean Region (University of Toronto Press).
  • Barnett, M.N. (1998) Dialogues in Arab Politics: Negotiations in Regional Order (Columbia University Press).
  • Braveboy-Wagner, J.A. (ed.) (2003) The Foreign Policies of the Global South. Rethinking Conceptual Frameworks (Lynne Rienner).
  • Cleveland, W. (2004) A History of the Contemporary Middle East (Westview).
  • Ferabolli, S. (2014) Arab Regionalism: A Post-Structural Perspective (Routledge).
  • Fürtig, H. (ed.) (2014) Regional Powers in the Middle East: New Constellations after the Arab Revolts (Palgrave Macmillan).
  • Hinnebusch, R. (2003) The International Relations of the Middle East (Manchester University Press).
  • Ismael, T.Y. and G.E. Perry (eds.) (2014) The International Relations of the Contemporary Middle East. Subordination and After (Routledge).
  • Mason, R. (ed.) (2014) The International Politics of the Arab Spring: Popular Unrest and Foreign Policy (Palgrave Macmillan).
  • Milton-Edwards, B. (2006) Contemporary Politics in the Middle East (Polity Press).
  • Nonneman, G. (ed.) (2005) Analyzing Middle East Foreign Policies and the Relationship with Europe (Routledge).
  • Salloukh, B. and R. Brynen (eds.) (2004) Persistent Permeability? Regionalism, Localism and Globalization in the Middle East (Ashgate, 2004).
  • Telhami, S. and Barnett, M.N. (eds.) (2002) Identity and Foreign Policy in the Middle East (Cornell University Press).
  • Zoubir, Y.H. and H. Amirah (eds.) (2008) North Africa: Politics, Region, and the Limits of Transformation (Routledge)
  • Zoubir, Y.H. and G. White (eds.) (2015) North African Politics: Change and Continuity (Routledge).