The course explores international relations and security in the region of the Middle East. In particular, it presents the history of intractable conflicts (e.g., the Arab-Israeli conflict), their causes and prospects for peaceful resolution. It also examines the rise of radical Islam, the issue of terrorism, the role of minorities in the region, the clash between Shia and Sunni Muslims, Iran’s regional role, nuclear proliferation, and US, EU and Russian policies in the Middle East.