The Middle East is extraordinarily diverse, yet that diversity has often been poorly managed by states and power structures, contributing to recurring instability and conflict. This course explores the region’s ethnic, linguistic and religious complexity and why it matters politically.

You’ll examine how these fault lines shape both recent crises and longer-term risks, including fragmentation, rivalry and regional spillover. A clear, accessible course for anyone wanting a more grounded understanding of Middle Eastern politics.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Overview

• The Middle East: the ethno-religious map

Iraq and Iran

• Shia majority with substantial numbers of minorities

The Levant

• Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine

Türkiye

• Alevi- Sunni conflict, Islamists and secularists conflict, the Kurdish question

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Discuss the difficulties faced by some states to maintain a cohesion and indivisibility.
2. Familiarise themselves with the complexity of the social, political, ethnic, religious terrain of Türkiye, the Levant and Iran
3. Identify the major issues that confront the Middle East today.