Conflict Management in the Middle East

From the First World War to the Arab Spring

This series offers insight in the many conflicts that have been ripping the Middle East apart and looks at the role of the international community in these events. In the first lecture, the Middle East of today will be put into the historical context of colonial politics since the First World War still casting a shadow over the region. Against this background international conflict management and mediation will be analysed, with special attention given to the Arab-Israeli conflict (second lecture) and how to deal with terrorism (third lecture). Finally, the question why the promise of an Arab Spring turned into an Arab Tempest will be discussed.

The individual lectures
1. A Historical Perspective: from the First World War to the Arab Spring. (14 Mar)
2. The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Re-thinking the Two State Paradigm? ( 21 Mar)
3. How to Deal with Violent Non-state Actors ("Terrorists")? (28 Mar)
4. Why did the Arab Spring Turn Violent? (11 Apr)