Geopolitics of the Mediterranean and the Middle East in a Post-Western World

About

This course explores the implications for the Middle East and North Africa of the relative decline of the West, the resurgence of Russia, the ascent of China, and the emergence of Africa as a competitive space for global and regional powers in the Middle East and North Africa. With the passing of 20 years since the US invasion of Iraq, which represented a high point of American hegemony and unilateralism in the region, the course will examine how regional powers are now leveraging the new dynamics of global competition to their advantage. The course will first analyze the interplay between global and regional dynamics over the last two decades to then focus on Ukraine as a case study to assess the extent and depth of these transformations. Specifically, the course will evaluate how the war in Ukraine impacts cooperation and conflict dynamics within the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the foreign policies of the region's major powers. This assessment will allow the students to discuss the implications of those changes for EU-MENA relations in the years to come.

Course leader

Eduard Soler (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals)

Target group

The Barcelona Summer School of the Mediterranean and the Middle East is a joint initiative of IBEI, Blanquerna, DIPLOCAT and IEMED.

The 2023 edition of the School will consist of a number of interactive courses on the politics and international relations of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, taught by experts of international reputation. These will be complemented by various panel discussions, field trips and cultural events such as visits to the Union for the Mediterranean, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, FC Barcelona Museum and a movie afternoon, among others. This integrated structure will enable the programme to cater to the needs of both students and practitioners. The events will be free for all registered participants.

Course aim

This course explores the implications for the Middle East and North Africa of the relative decline of the West, the resurgence of Russia, the ascent of China, and the emergence of Africa as a competitive space for global and regional powers in the Middle East and North Africa. With the passing of 20 years since the US invasion of Iraq, which represented a high point of American hegemony and unilateralism in the region, the course will examine how regional powers are now leveraging the new dynamics of global competition to their advantage. The course will first analyze the interplay between global and regional dynamics over the last two decades to then focus on Ukraine as a case study to assess the extent and depth of these transformations. Specifically, the course will evaluate how the war in Ukraine impacts cooperation and conflict dynamics within the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the foreign policies of the region's major powers. This assessment will allow the students to discuss the implications of those changes for EU-MENA relations in the years to come.

Fee info