AIE357 - Democracy and Diplomacy in the Middle East
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Benjamin Isakhan |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 1-hour lecture per week, 1 x 1-hour seminar per week |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 1-hour lecture per week, 1 x 1-hour seminar per week |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
This unit critically examines the intersection of democracy and diplomacy in the Middle East, analyzing governance, conflict and international relations through historical and contemporary perspectives. It explores key democratic theories-consociationalism, democracy promotion, grassroots mobilization, and hybrid regimes-through case studies of Lebanon, Iraq, Tunisia, and Egypt. Diplomatic themes include foreign interventions, economic sanctions, multilateral negotiations, and soft power, with examples from Syria, Iran, Israel-Palestine, and UNESCO's cultural diplomacy. Students will assess competing political models, analyze diplomatic strategies, and evaluate the roles of state and non-state actors in shaping regional dynamics. The unit emphasizes critical engagement with complex issues across the region, equipping students with the analytical tools to assess governance, conflict resolution, and diplomatic negotiations. Upon completion of the unit, students will develop a nuanced understanding of Middle Eastern politics and diplomacy, preparing them for further study or careers in policy analysis, international affairs, or regional expertise. No prior study of the Middle East is required.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of issues relating to democracy and diplomacy in the Middle East. Analyse statements about these issues and demonstrate an awareness of debates on the merits of various approaches to democracy and diplomacy in the Middle East. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO2 | Evaluate, gather, organise, and apply various forms of evidence to explain key aspects of different cases of democracy and diplomacy in the Middle East; critically assess the processes involved and develop specific recommendations to address real-world problems | GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO3 | Evaluate different theoretical models and empirical case studies regarding democracy and diplomacy in the Middle East. Critique various positions and develop arguments in ongoing debates about these issues. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO4 | Communicate effectively in written form. Effectively communicate key findings and analyses and apply these to real-world contexts for a range of readers. | GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Short Written Exercises (Middle East in the News) | 1600 words | 40% | Week 6 |
| Assessment 2: Major Assignment (Policy Brief) | 2400 words | 60% | Week 11 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for AIE357 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.