Social Sciences
Immersion 1
Regions, Development, Enterprise
World Politics and Area Studies
The Middle East
This module offers an introduction to the key theories, concepts, and debates in International Relations (IR), using the Middle East as a primary case study.
Who are the main actors in international relations? Why do wars occur? How can they be mitigated? And how do trade, power and ideas shape the international order?
Students will explore how different theoretical perspectives—including realism, liberalism, constructivism and feminism—explain conflict and cooperation. We will also consider the role of international trade in world politics and the ways in which it shapes the international order.
Through an interdisciplinary lens, we will examine the political, demographic, and historical dynamics of the Middle East, applying IR theories to major regional events such as the Iran-Iraq War, the 1973 Oil Crisis, the US Invasion of Iraq, and the Rise and Fall of ISIS.
The module emphasises active learning. Students will test theoretical frameworks through simulations, group debates, and critical case-study analysis.
