This programme offers an advanced theoretical and empirical understanding of the international relations of the Middle East, exploring and applying several theoretical models:

realism
constructivism
historical sociology
structuralism
Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the main historical events, processes and actors that have shaped and continue to shape the political dynamics of the Middle East.

Specialized knowledge about the region will be delivered by University of Edinburgh's academic staff, whose research covers a variety of topics including:

the politics of Islam
oil
the Arab-Israeli conflict
the Arab Spring
the politics and theories of the state
the politics of human rights
international law
As well as placing the region in broader analytical, conceptual and theoretical debates of international relations and the social sciences, they also aim to foster knowledge of Middle East international relations by examining:

local cultures
histories
languages
religions