DAFF 25A13 - International Community and the Troubled Middle East

This course is intended primarily as an introduction to the North Africa and Middle East area (regional and external actors). It pursues several pedagogical objectives:

1/ To introduce students to the major geographical and historical dynamics structuring (and dividing) the MENA region;

2/ To familiarize them with the national, ethnic, and religious identities dividing the MENA region;

3/ To introduce them to the major transnational movements that have shaped the region in the contemporary era (anti-imperialism, “Arab nationalism,” political Islam, together with the related notions and concepts).

4/ To characterize the evolving and shifting role of the principal external actors (the United Nations, the United States, Russia, China, the European states, and the European Union).

5/ All of the above will be grounded in the use and analysis of open sources, particularly those produced by American and European think tanks (though not exclusively).

No regional specialization on the North Africa–Middle East area is required, although at least a basic knowledge of international relations and geopolitics (history and geography) is useful for understanding the course.

As interactive as possible: classical presentations from the professor mixed with presentations of the students.

1/ An in-class oral presentation, either individual or preferably in a small group (maximum of four students), on a topic corresponding to the framework and scope defined in the syllabus (respect for the schedule is important). This first assignment accounts for 45% of the final grade.

2/ A final quizz of 20mn in class (during the last session) with 20 QCM (20 questions with 3 optional answers with only one right answer) to check that the basic notions of the course have been understood, for 10% of the final grade.

2/ An individual final paper of approximately ten pages, on a topic freely chosen by the student, subject to the professor’s approval and within the scope of the course. This second assignment accounts for 35% of the final grade.

3/ A participation grade taking into account the student’s contribution to class discussions and to the overall development of the course. It may be supplemented by a book review (optional). This final component represents 10% of the final grade.