Course Description
The territory between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River is a small but highly significant piece of land claimed by two peoples, Jews and Arabs, and revered by three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Throughout the 20th century, it became a focal point of conflict, evolving into one of the most contentious disputes of the last 80 years. Although the Israeli-Arab/Palestinian conflict had been, until October 7, 2023, relatively low in intensity, with a comparatively lower number of casualties than many post-WWII conflicts, it has consistently drawn global attention. The massacre on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza marked a critical turning point, resulting in widespread loss of life and destruction. This escalation has also raised significant concerns about regional stability and the potential for the conflict to spread beyond Gaza and Israel.
The course delves into the root causes of this historical conflict, the key issues that define it, the personalities that have shaped it, and the role of international actors who have influenced it. We will explore the conflict from various perspectives and interpretations, with special attention given to the conflicting Israeli and Palestinian narratives. The course will also cover the most recent developments in the region.
- Teacher: Irena Kalhousová
- Teacher: Ariel Reichard