International Relations in the Middle East 2104-L-D5SMBW
The course offers a comprehensive analysis of international relations in the Middle East region, understood as the Arab Mashriq together with Iran, Turkey, and Israel. It opens with an introduction to questions of regional nomenclature and geography, and to the region's geopolitical determinants — including the significance of water resources and oil, as well as the position of contemporary Arabs within the broader Muslim world. This is followed by an examination of the region's history and the influence and presence of great powers, from Pax Britannica through the Cold War era to Pax Americana and the contemporary decline of American influence.
A substantial part of the course is devoted to analysis of the Middle East conflict — both the Arab–Israeli and the Israeli–Palestinian dimensions — and of the Middle East peace process from its origins to the present day. The course also addresses the roots of Muslim fundamentalism, with particular attention to the role of Saudi Arabia, the war in Afghanistan, and the Islamic Revolution in Iran (the Khomeini revolution). Further topics include the rivalry of regional powers in the Persian Gulf area and United States policy toward the region. The course concludes with an analysis of Turkey as a regional actor and of the Kurdish question in international relations.
Course coordinators
Term 2026Z: | Term 2025Z: |
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students achieve the following subject-level learning outcomes, referenced to the programme-level outcomes assigned to this course in the curriculum (K_W03, K_W05, K_W06, K_U01, K_U02, K_U04, K_U05, K_K01, K_K02):
Knowledge (W)
• PW1 (ref. K_W03): Characterises the principal state and non-state actors in international relations in the Middle East (Arab states, Iran, Turkey, Israel, Islamist movements, and other non-state actors) and explains their roles in the regional balance of power.
• PW2 (ref. K_W05): Explains the legal, socio-economic, and political determinants of international relations in the region, including the significance of water and oil resources and the colonial legacy.
• PW3 (ref. K_W06): Describes the distinctive features of the Middle East as a world sub-region and identifies contemporary challenges facing states in the region (fundamentalism, the Arab–Israeli conflict, the Kurdish question, rivalry in the Persian Gulf).
Skills (U)
• PU1 (ref. K_U01): Interprets political, economic, cultural, and religious phenomena occurring in the Middle East, drawing on theoretical knowledge and empirical sources, including in a foreign language.
• PU2 (ref. K_U02): Formulates coherent, substantively argued conclusions on a selected Middle Eastern problem, using the specialist terminology of international relations scholarship.
• PU3 (ref. K_U04): Plans and prepares an individual or group analysis of a selected regional issue (seminar paper) and collaborates with other course participants in discussion.
• PU4 (ref. K_U05): Independently organises their own work on the course's subject matter, including the selection and critical analysis of relevant literature and preparation for assessment.
Social Competences (K)
• PK1 (ref. K_K01): Critically evaluates information and interpretations concerning the situation in the Middle East drawn from a variety of sources (academic, media, and opinion).
• PK2 (ref. K_K02): Recognises the
Assessment criteria
Formal Assessment Requirements
• Permitted absences: a maximum of 3 absences per semester. Absences cannot be excused by a medical certificate; with the instructor's consent, a missed class may be made up by submitting written responses to questions relating to the missed session or by delivering a multimedia presentation.
• A minimum of 51 out of 100 aggregate points must be achieved (see assessment methods below).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools — Level 3: AI-Assisted Editing. AI tools may be used to improve the clarity and linguistic quality of a seminar paper or written assignment, but may not be used to generate new substantive content. The version of the written work produced prior to any AI assistance must be submitted alongside the final version (in accordance with Resolution No. 29/2025 of the Teaching Council of the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies (WNPiSM), dated 7 May 2025, read in conjunction with Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education of the University of Warsaw, dated 8 December 2023).
Independent Preparation of Work and Respect for Intellectual Property — in accordance with Resolution No. 14 of the University Council for Education of the University of Warsaw, dated 13 July 2020, on guidelines concerning standards and procedures applicable in cases of coursework and diploma theses prepared in violation of the law.
Practical placement
not applicable
Bibliography
Literature:
1. J. Zdanowski, Historia Bliskiego Wschodu w XX wieku, Ossolineum, Wrocław 2010.
2. E. Rogan, Arabowie. Historia, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, Kraków 2015.
3. J.L. Gelvin, The Modern Middle East: A History, Oxford University Press (najnowsze wydanie).
4. W.L. Cleveland, M. Bunton, A History of the Modern Middle East, Westview Press (najnowsze wydanie).
5. A. Shlaim, Mur żelazny. Izrael i świat arabski, Warszawa (wyd. polskie) / The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World.
6. D. McDowall, A Modern History of the Kurds, I.B. Tauris, London (najnowsze wydanie).
7. M.M. Dziekan, Cywilizacja islamu w świecie arabskim, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Warszawa.
Further reading:
• Bieżące analizy i raporty ośrodków analitycznych (m.in. Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych – PISM, Carnegie Middle East Center, Chatham House, International Crisis Group) dotyczące aktualnej sytuacji w regionie.
• Wybrane artykuły naukowe wskazywane przez Prowadzącego przed poszczególnymi zajęciami – zob. pkt 7. Zakres tematów.
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Term 2026Z:
Literature: |