POLSC2411 - 01 - Contemporary Middle East & North Africa Challenges and Promise

This course will introduce students to the states, political movements, conflicts and the possibilities for peace in the Middle East. Students will begin by examining the major international dynamics of the region, such as the Palestinian-Israeli dispute, the inter- actions of the Gulf Region, and the Syrian- Lebanese-Israeli triangle. The discussion will then turn to the domestic political, social, and economic environment challenging the people and governments of the area including the changes in North Africa developing from the Arab Uprisings . Lastly, students will look at the implications for the United States of the complexities of this region-its challenges and its promise.