This module examines the diplomatic history of the Arab-Israeli conflict from 1948 to the present, with a focus on the role of third party mediators to bring about resolution to the conflict between Israel and the Arab world. The first part of the module provide a theoretical review of mediation in international conflicts, and addresses issues such as the role of third parties and the necessary conditions for effective mediation; the various mediation strategies; and the nature of the bargaining process. The second part of the module applies the theory to the rich history of Middle East diplomacy from the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948 to the Oslo Peace Process and the Road Map. The module concludes with a simulation exercise where students assume the roles of the disputants and various mediators to asses the contributions and failings of third parties to promote Arab-Israeli peace.
These courses are taught by a combination of lectures, classes and directed reading.
This module is available as:
Autumn term only 10 credit unit – 3,000 word assessed essay
Spring term only 10 credit unit – 3,000 word assessed essay
Whole Year 20 credit unit – Presentation (10%), 2 x 3,000 summative essays (30% each), plus simulation exercise (3,000 words) (30%).