Courses

Ever since its establishment, Israel has confronted an external environment of nearly unremitting hostility. Repeated wars, perpetual hostilities at lower levels, the failed peace processes with the Palestinians and Syria, and even the “cold” peace with Egypt and Jordan, have reinforced this image. As a result, national security has been at the forefront of Israeli life for six decades. Israel has responded by building a disproportionate national security establishment and by developing a "hunkering down" decision making style. Due to the importance of the Middle East, from the Cold War to this day, as well as its own unique circumstances, Israel has also become an important player in the international arena, far beyond its size.

The course is designed for those with a general interest in Israel and the Middle East, especially those interested in national security affairs, military strategy, foreign policy and decision making, students of comparative politics and practitioners/future practitioners, with an interest in "real world" international relations and national security. It focuses on the basic tenets of Israeli foreign and defense strategy, the threats and opportunities facing Israel today, structures and processes of Israeli national security decision making, including their strengths and weaknesses, and the role of the peace process in Israel’s national security strategic thinking.

The course presumes reasonable familiarity with Israel and the Middle East. For those in need of further background, a number of basic texts are suggested below.