2026/2027
Внешняя политика и стратегия великих держав на Среднем Востоке
Статус:
Маго-лего
Кто читает:
Департамент зарубежного регионоведения
Где читается:
Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики
Когда читается:
2 модуль
Охват аудитории:
для своего кампуса
Язык:
английский
Кредиты:
3
Контактные часы:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course "Foreign Policy and Strategy of the Great Powers in the Middle East" explores the strategic interests, policy approaches, and instruments of major global powers in the region, with particular emphasis on Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan as key geopolitical and security nodes. It examines how the policies of actors such as the United States, China, and Russia shape political dynamics, regional security, and economic development in these countries. Special attention is given to issues such as Iran's nuclear policy, Afghanistan's post-conflict political and security environment, and Pakistan's strategic role in regional power balances and connectivity initiatives. By situating these cases within broader regional and global contexts, the course provides students with a deeper understanding of how great-power competition and cooperation influence stability, conflict, and governance across the Middle East and its adjoining regions.
Learning Objectives
- The course aims to initiate a systematic and holistic view on the foreign policy and strategic conduct of great powers in the Middle East, the region’s pivotal role in global security and geopolitical realignments, and the evolving dynamics of competition and cooperation among major actors over the past three decades through the prism of international relations and geopolitical theory. It specifically examines how the strategic interests of the United States, China, and Russia converge and clash across the region, shaping diplomatic, economic, and security architectures.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Explain the strategic interests and goals of leading global powers in the Middle East, including the United States, China, and Russia
- Analyze the foreign policy approaches and instruments of influence of great powers in the countries of the region, using modern theories of international relations and geopolitics
- Assess the impact of major power policies on political processes, security, and economic development in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan
- Characterize key challenges to regional security, including Iran's nuclear program, Afghanistan's post-conflict development, and Pakistan's strategic role in the regional balance of power
- Explore the mechanisms of great power rivalry and cooperation in the context of Middle Eastern and adjacent regional politics
- Analyze the relationship between global geopolitical processes and regional dynamics in the Middle East and adjacent regions
- Assess the importance of transport, logistics, and economic initiatives for strengthening regional connectivity and changing the balance of power
- Apply comparative analysis methods to study the foreign policies of states and international actors in the region.
- Formulate well-reasoned conclusions and forecasts regarding the prospects for stability, conflict, and governance in Middle Eastern countries
- Develop analytical materials and expert assessments on issues of international security, foreign policy, and geopolitical processes in the region
Course Contents
- Module I. Theoretical Foundations of Great Power Competition in the Middle East
- Seminar 1
- Module II. Afghanistan in Great Power Strategy
- Seminar 2
- Seminar 3
- Module III. Iran and Pakistan in Great Power Politics
- Seminar 4
- Seminar 5
- Module IV. Regional Security, Connectivity and Future Scenarios
- Seminar 6
- Module V. China’s Middle East Strategy
- Seminar 7
- Seminar 8
- Seminar 9
- Module VI. Strategic Triangles and Great Power Competition Involving China
- Seminar 10
- Seminar 11
- Seminar 12
Assessment Elements
- Class Discussions (Debates)
- Essay
- Presentation
- Finals (exam)The exam is written and includes questions on the main topics of the course.
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 2nd module0.2 * Presentation + 0.3 * Class Discussions (Debates) + 0.3 * Finals (exam) + 0.2 * Essay
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Afghanistan : political frailty and extrenal interference, Misdaq, N., 2008
- Modern Afghanistan : a history of struggle and survival, Saikal, A., 2010
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- A political history of Pakistan, 1947-2007, Belokrenitsky, V. Y., 2013
- Taliban : the power of militant Islam in Afghanistan and beyond, Rashid, A., 2010
- Taliban : the story of the Afghan warlords, Rashid, A., 2001