This course introduces students to the government and politics of the contemporary Middle East through the lens of comparative politics. The focus is on domestic political systems, institutions, and political cultures, with an emphasis on how these vary across countries. Themes include the persistence of authoritarian rule, the role of religion, identity, and gender in politics, political economy, and state–society relations. While international relations will receive less attention, the course will highlight how internal dynamics shape regional trajectories.

The course assumes no prior knowledge of the region, though some background in comparative politics may be helpful. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify the main features of political systems across the region, including distinctions between democratic and authoritarian regimes and the nuances of authoritarian governance. They will also be able to analyze the political relevance of ethnic, religious, and gender cleavages, trace their origins, and evaluate their impact on contemporary politics. Above all, the course equips students with the tools to move beyond headlines, developing the capacity to connect isolated events to larger political, social, and economic dynamics in the region.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 28

Prerequisites: One course in Political Science.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring