The Arab Israel Conflict Explained

This course offers an accessible examination of the Arab-Israeli conflict, tracing its historical roots from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. 

Beginning in the Ottoman period, we will explore the emergence of modern Zionism, patterns of Jewish immigration, and land acquisition strategies in Palestine, as well as the responses and organizational structures developed by the Arab population. The course will examine the interplay between local dynamics and broader state interests, particularly the role of the Ottoman Empire, British colonial policies, and the geopolitical transformations following World War I. 

The mid-20th century forms the second part of the course, analyzing the impact of the 1947 UN Partition Plan, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and the resulting Palestinian displacement. We will study the formation of the state of Israel, the development of Arab nationalism, and the evolution of Palestinian resistance movements. Attention is given to major conflicts such as the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, as well as peace initiatives including the Camp David Accords and the Oslo Process, highlighting the cyclical nature of warfare, negotiation, and territorial contestation.

We will finally examine the conflict from the late 20th century to 2020, emphasizing contemporary political, social, and economic dimensions. Topics include settlement expansion, the Intifadas, Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, regional alliances, and the influence of international actors. 

By integrating historical, political, and cultural perspectives, we will gain a nuanced understanding of the conflict’s complexity, the persistence of competing narratives, and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in one of the world’s most enduring geopolitical disputes.