This assessment tests students' capacity to conduct independent research on a topic in contemporary politics/international relations of the Middle East, integrating this with relevant key themes/concepts/perspectives covered in the subject.
You will need to write this essay about one of the cases covered in the subject. For a list of these cases and other important information please see the subject learning guide and listen to the recording of one of our information sessions below. If you wish to choose a case that is not included in the list, please get in touch with the subject coordinator.
In this task, students are required to undertake a detailed analysis of a case-study that we have explored in class. The purpose of this is for students undertake a detailed examination of a case/dimension of Middle East politics, identify the interests and issues at stake, and assess effectiveness of the approaches used by states and organisations to deal with the issue or crisis at hand.
TASK:
You have been asked to prepare a research-based report on one of the specific cases below. The port is targeted at policy-makers, practitioners working in the field, and academics who are interested in the case at hand. There are a number of things your report must contain:
- Your report draw on academic literature to outline the context in which you’re considering the issue, including national and international and contemporary and historical backgrounds of the case.
It must consider the major actors and interests involved in the issue. This involves identifying key
states and non-state actors, as well as exploring the role these actors play in relation to the issue at
hand.
You must provide an analysis of what thecurrent‘state of affairs’ is in relation to the case you are
considering. What are the important things the reader must know about what is currently going on in relation to your specific topic? What are the approaches proposed by local actors to deal with the issue? What are the approaches and policies of external actors in relation to the issue? How effectively are they achieving the ends they were designed to achieve?
4. You must discuss the prospects for the future in relation to the case at hand. This involves providing recommendations about how the key actors can address the challenges and obstacles you’ve identified. You should outline the goals you recommend they work towards, in the context of your earlier analysis.
CASES:
External powers and the Syrian or Yemen conflicts
US Middle East policy under Trump
Iran- Saudi Arabia rivalries
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The rise and decline of the Islamic State
Nationalism and minority rights in a country in the Middle East
Oil economy and democratic reform in any country in Middle East.
Please remember that this is an analytical task – you cannot just provide a description of the history of the case you’ve chosen. Also remember that your job is to provide an analysis of thecurrentstate of affairs, so avoid focusing too heavily on the historical narrative. The four elements of the task will be weighted equally; however, they will not necessarily require the same amount of words. It is up to you how you choose to organise your report – remember that it is not an academic essay, but rather an analytical report intended to inform relevant policymakers and practitioners involved in the field you’re examining.