HS/IR 334 - Italy and the Mediterranean World

This course explores historical and political perspectives of the Mediterranean world with a focus on the political, economic and cultural bonds between Italy and the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean. The course begins with a historical introduction to the multi-faceted concept of “Mediterranean” and to some of the key political processes of the Mediterranean region from ancient to modern times. It will then focus on Italian foreign and Mediterranean policy and on recent developments of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. The course will have a specific focus on recent developments in the area: the roots and outcomes of the Arab spring and the domestic and foreign political evolution of a number of key actors in the region, e.g. Syria, Egypt, Israel, and Morocco.