The aim of this course is to analyse and explain the dynamics of political economy in the contemporary Middle East. There is a focus on how political actors and social forces influence, and in turn are influenced, by political economy structures and development strategies. In particular, the effects of state institutions, international actors, social classes, and new groups such as private sector businesspeople are assessed, and their roles considered in the context of political economy theoretical approaches. Particular case studies focus on recent trends in the region, especially: the growth of Islamic models of economic development; the processes and outcomes of economic reform; the impacts of globalisation and foreign penetration of the region; and the ways in which new industries and technologies are shaping the political economies of the region.

This course aims to achieve the following specific learning outcomes:

• Know and explain the key concepts and theories related to Middle Eastern political economy.
• Think, write and argue with these key concepts and theories.
• Analyse some of the key dynamics of Middle Eastern political economy, including both those of key states in recent decades and current and emerging issues in the region.
• Construct cogent written arguments about several of these key dynamics.
• Construct cogent verbal arguments about most of these key dynamics.

3,000 word essay (50%), tutorial participation (10%) and final two-hour examination (40%).

One two-hour seminar and one one hour tutorial per week.

Two first-year courses in Political Science, or with permission of the lecturer. This course does not require any previous study of economics.

A reading brick will be made available to students.

• Students without any economics background should familiarise themselves with basic economic terms and concepts (terms like: productivity, wages, prices, unemployment, inflation, interest rates, gross domestic product, investment, monetary policy, fiscal policy, investment, etc.)
• Students who have not completed MEAS1001, POLS2031, or similar should do some background reading on modern Middle Eastern history and politics; recommended are relevant chapters in Peter Mansfield, The Arabs (London: Penguin, 1992) or Albert Hourani, A History of the Arab Peoples (London: Faber & Faber, 1991).

This course is considered compatible with Security Studies, Asian Politics & International Relations, and Contemporary Asian Societies fields of study.