Religion continues to play a powerful—though often contested—role in the conflicts of the Middle East. Since ancient times, tensions involving Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have shaped struggles not only over territory and sacred sites, but over identity, legitimacy, and political authority across a vast region stretching from North Africa to the eastern Mediterranean and Iran. These dynamics have repeatedly drawn in outside powers and global actors.

However, religion alone does not explain the complexity of the region’s conflicts. This course critically examines the role religion plays alongside historical, political, colonial, and geopolitical forces, exploring how religious beliefs, institutions, and movements interact with nationalism, state power, and global politics. Particular attention is given to developments since the mid-20th century, including the creation of the State of Israel and the evolving role of religion in contemporary conflicts.

DELIVERY MODE

• Hybrid

COURSE OUTLINE

• The role of religion in ancient, medieval, and early modern periods up to 1914
• The changing role of religion in the modern era, particularly since the Second World War and the establishment of Israel
• The interaction between religious identity, political movements, and regional and global power struggles in recent decades
   

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the historical development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including key divisions and sects, and how these have influenced conflict from the rise of Islam and the Crusades to modern political movements
2. Understand the growth of religious fundamentalism across all three traditions and how these currents have shaped, intensified, and interacted with the geopolitical conflicts commonly referred to as the Middle East conflict