This course provides a historical and current overview of Israel's foreign policy, focusing on the dilemmas and constraints faced by Israeli leadership since the country's establishment in 1948. The course reviews the evolution of Israel's foreign policy towards various actors in the international arena, including the United States, the European Union, Russia, Germany, the United Nations, and the Jewish Diaspora (with a special focus on the Jewish community in the US). The course then focuses on the Israeli-Arab conflict, stages in its development, approaches to its settlement, and its effect on Israel's foreign relations with Arab and Muslim states. Current issues in Israel's foreign policy are then discussed, including the Iranian nuclear deal, the formation of an Israeli-Sunni alliance, the BDS movement, terrorism, and prospects for a future Palestinian state. Students are tasked with applying theories of international relations to the Israeli case and examining their explanatory and predictive powers. They will also take part in a class simulation that recreates a major turning point in Israel's foreign relations. Grades are based on two short paper submissions, participation in a simulation, and a final examination. Please note: L75 587 is intended for graduate students only.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU IS; AS LCD
