Checking date: 21/04/2023


Course: 2024/2025

Geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa
(19651)
Geopolitics and Strategic Studies (Plan: 387 - Estudio: 346)
EPC


Coordinating teacher: HIDALGO TRENADO, MANUEL

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Electives
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
There are no prerequisites for this class
Objectives
-To know the most important geopolitical and geostrategic elements and themes affecting the MENA region. -To interrelate and understand synoptically the different geopolitical and geostrategic elements and phenomena specific to the MENA region. -To locate and relate geopolitical and geostrategic regional dynamics of the MENA region with the global geopolitical structure. -To link theoretical analysis to the historical processes, socio-economic structures, and geopolitical challenges prevalent in the MENA region. -To understand, use and rigorously apply the main theoretical frameworks formulated recently to explain the structure and functioning of regional geopolitics in the context of the MENA region -To analyze the economic power of major countries along with alliances, initiatives and ongoing rivalries at the regional level. -To understand and analyze the major conflicts, risks and threats in the MENA region related to international security. -To understand and analyze the geo-economic and political consequences of globalization and regionalization in the MENA region and their geostrategic implications.
Skills and learning outcomes
Description of contents: programme
INTRODUCTION 1. Geopolitical characterisation of the MENA region. PART I: NORTH AFRICA 2. Introduction to the geopolitics of North Africa 3. Geography, borders and identities 4. The weight of colonialism 5. North Africa in the New International Order PART II: MIDDLE EAST 6. The geopolitical significance and main characteristics of the Middle East 7. Origins and development of the main geopolitical conflicts 8. The Middle East and the new global order. Geopolitical alliances and rivalries
Learning activities and methodology
Learning Activities -Theoretical classes -Theoretical and practical classes -Tutorials -Group work -Student's individual work -Tests and final examinations Teaching Methodology This course consists of lectures and a number of activities which will be carried out by the students. In general, classes are designed in a manner to promote students' active participation and critical thinking. Therefore, it is essential that they come to class prepared to discuss the readings assigned for that particular session. It is highly recommended to keep up-to-date about ongoing events about geopolitIcs of Africa and the Middle East. Tutorials will be carried out through the procedures established by the university.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 30
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 70

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Basic Bibliography
  • Barr, James. Line in the sand: Britain, France and the struggle that shaped the Middle East. Simon & Schuster. 2012
  • Carmody, Pádraig . The New Scramble for Africa. Polity Press. 2016
  • Ghattas, Kim. Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Forty-Year Rivalry That Unraveled Culture, Religion, and Collective Memory in the Middle East. Henry Holt . 2020
  • Hugon, Philippe . African Geopolitics. Markus Wiener Publishers. 2015
  • Iliffe, John . Africans, The History of a continent. Cambridge University Press. 2017
  • Kornegay, Francis; Mthembu, Philani . ): Africa and the World. Navigating Shifting Geopolitics. Johannesburg, Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. 2020
  • Mcevedy, Colin . The Penguin Atlas of African History. Penguin Books. 1996
  • Routledge. Handbook of Middle East Politics . Routledge. 2020
  • Taylor Ian; Williams, Paul . ): Africa in International Politics. External involvement on the continent. Taylor & Francis Group. 2004
  • Yom, Sean. Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa Development, Democracy, and Dictatorship. Routledge . 2019
Recursos electrónicosElectronic Resources *
Additional Bibliography
  • Hitti, Philip. History of the Arabs, Nueva York. Palgrave MacMillan. 2002
  • QASSEM, N.. Hezbollah. The Story from Within. London, Saqi Books. 2010
  • Stewart, Dona J.. The Middle East Today, Political, Geographical and Cultural Perspectives. Roudledge. 2009
(*) Access to some electronic resources may be restricted to members of the university community and require validation through Campus Global. If you try to connect from outside of the University you will need to set up a VPN


The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.