Module description
Authoritarian rule and the absence of democratic regimes have been constant features of modern Middle Eastern politics. This sets the region apart from other world regions which have, at least partially, been affected by waves of democratisation (though often limited in outcome). How can we explain the striking persistence of authoritarianism and the failure of democratisation attempts, both before and after the Arab Spring? And how has authoritarian rule affected and shaped Middle Eastern economies?
The module uses the analytical tools of political economy to analyse authoritarianism in the Middle East from a dual perspective: authoritarianism as a political outcome and authoritarianism as a determinant of socioeconomic development. Through comparative case studies, students will be introduced to key debates in the broader literature on authoritarianism, such as the effect of oil endowments on regime survival, the role of external powers (‘black knights’) in supporting authoritarian rule, and the significance of social classes, such as capital and labour. When studying authoritarianism as a determinant of development, the module focuses on, amongst others, the role of Arab militaries in the economy, economic reform, and the way social policies have been shaped by an authoritarian logic of regime survival.
The module introduces students to a range of different methodological approaches – both qualitative and quantitative – and allows them to critically assess their validity in studying authoritarianism in the Middle East. It will also allow them to appreciate the specificity of authoritarianism in the Middle East through, for example, the study of comparative case studies in class and comparative perspectives introduced in the lecture.
Assessment details
Formative 500-words essay (unassessed);
Summative 3,000-word essay (90%); class participation (10%).
Educational aims & objectives
- To provide students with theoretical tools to explain the persistence and resilience of authoritarianism in the Middle East.
- To allow students to appreciate the specificity of Middle Eastern authoritarianism in comparison to other world regions.
- To provide students, through case studies, with an understanding of the key actors and economic forces that shape and maintain authoritarian rule in the Middle East.
- To provide students with the opportunity to develop their analytical, research, presentation, and writing skills.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Rigorously apply theoretical tools of comparative political economy to identify the underpinnings of authoritarian rule.
- Transfer the acquired theoretical frameworks to the study of authoritarianism in the Middle East and assess their validity in this context.
- Interpret and assess quantitative studies of authoritarianism in the Middle East.
- Demonstrate independent research skills by being able to identify primary sources and data on key actors of authoritarian politics (e.g. military, business elites, labour unions) and their effect on Middle Eastern economies.
- Summarise complex empirical and theoretical arguments on and creatively combine theoretical approaches to authoritarianism in the Middle East by writing assignments, presenting in class, and participating in class discussion.
Teaching pattern
Weekly 1-hour lecture & 1-hour seminar group