POL498H1S L0101

Graduate Course Code: POL2801H1S L0101

Intensive Course

The Middle East and International Diplomacy – Today and in the Future

Themes

This course is aimed at providing students with a practitioner's perspectives on diplomacy and mediation in the Middle East today. As such, it will take three main approaches:

1) A discussion and understanding of where the region stands today, with all its current dynamic changes. Although this subject will be specifically covered in the first session, it will pervade all other discussions. Part of the intention of the course is to gain this greater understanding of political and other key dynamics by looking at various forms of active and practical diplomacy in the region.

2) A look at four cases studies of mediation, policy development and international intervention, with an aim of gaining "lessons learned" regarding the practice of diplomacy and mediation today. These will include: discrete Track II mediations that Mr. Bell has facilitated, the Jerusalem Old City Initiative, a Canadian-led policy development process, a look at the state of play in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, as well as the failures of international diplomacy with regard to the Syria crisis.

3) An introduction to new ideas that may make diplomacy more successful in the future. Many of these will be rooted in greater understanding of human functioning, i.e. anthropology and psychology. In order to understand the diplomatic context better, a look at various forms of mediation active today will also be considered. The need for new approaches will also be interwoven into the discussion of the case studies: as lessons are learned, the investigation of innovative options will be considered.

Format and Requirements

This intensive course is open to 4th-year undergraduate students (pending Departmental approval) and graduate students. This course counts as a half credit course and will be composed of eight 3-hour sessions (see schedule below). In general, each session will be composed of an hour introduction and lecture by the professor, one hour for a case study or practical examination of an issue, and one for interaction between the professor and students. This pattern differs according to the needs of each issue being examined.

Monday, January 20, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 23, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Monday, January 27, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 30, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon