This course offers students a focused exploration of five key issues that have affected MENA (Middle East and North Africa) in recent history through the present day. U.S./EU in MENA Region is structured as a learner-centered and collaborative course.

In this course, we will investigate the historic and contemporary roles, attitudes, and policies of predominant power groups: The U.S., France/European Union, Arab and Middle Eastern States, and China or Russia (where relevant) toward the MENA region.

Five Key Topics for FRLA 8292 A:

▪ Colonialism/ post-colonialism: Historical Background, Impact on Resource Allocation and Economic Relationships (water, oil, energy, etc.)

▪ Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

▪ The Arab Spring and authoritarian regimes

▪ International interventions in Syria, Iraq and Libya, and Border Control: Issues of Humanitarian Relief and National Security (civil wars, illegal immigration, refugees, arms smuggling, etc.)

▪ Islamophobia and Security, Post 9/11

This course is open to students with Intermediate Mid level of proficiency.