Bachelor
2025/2026
Business and Politics in the MENA Region
Type:
Elective course (International Business)
Delivered by:
Department of Strategic and International Management
When:
4 year, 2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Alexander Bobrov
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course "Business and Politics in the MENA Countries" offers a comprehensive analysis of the business environment and political realities in the countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as in other developing economies that belong to the extended BRICS group. The course examines the growth dynamics of these countries, their integration into global economic processes and the strategic challenges they face in the context of a changing world order. Students will gain a deep understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with doing business in the BRICS+ countries, analyze the impact of political decisions, government policies and economic reforms on entrepreneurial activity. The course focuses on key industries such as energy, agriculture, technology, as well as issues of sustainable development and innovation. The course also considers aspects of international trade, foreign economic relations, and the investment climate. Students will study examples of successful companies and strategies that enable them to effectively adapt to complex political conditions and cultural peculiarities
Learning Objectives
- The overarching goal of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive, multi-level understanding of how political systems, historical legacies, religious tenets, and cultural norms shape the business environment and economic strategies within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate between the key conceptual frameworks used to define the MENA region (specifically Mashriq/Maghreb, Arab world/Islamic world) and categorize its state systems (e.g., monarchies vs. republics, Arab vs. non-Arab) and their corresponding international organizations.
- Analyze the interplay between natural resource wealth, geopolitical influence, and economic diversification challenges in shaping the contemporary political economy of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
- Analyze how Islamic principles and sectarian traditions shape business etiquette, financial systems, and political economies in the MENA region, and apply this understanding to formulate culturally informed business strategies.
Course Contents
- Politics in the MENA Region. Overview
- Business in the MENA Region. Overview
- Business Protocol in the MENA region. Muslim Etiquette and Rules of Conduct.
- Business and Politics in Saudia Arabia.
- Business and Politics in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (UAE, Qatar, Bahrein, Kuweit, Oman).
- Business and Politics in Iran and countries of the “Shia Crescent” (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen)
- Business and Politics in Israel Amid the Middle East Settlement (Palestine, Jordan etc)
- Business and Politics in Turkey.
- Business and Politics in Egypt and Maghreb countries (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco)
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 2nd module0.4 * Exam + 0.15 * Final quiz + 0.15 * Round-table discussion + 0.3 * Test
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Wolfgang Mühlberger, & Toni Alaranta. (2020). Political Narratives in the Middle East and North Africa : Conceptions of Order and Perceptions of Instability. Springer.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Monshipouri, M. (2019). Middle East Politics : Changing Dynamics. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=2143104