Contextualization

The Middle East is a region globally recognized for its rich history and cultural heritage as well as for the prolonged and complex conflicts that occur within it. Understanding these conflicts and their origins is crucial, as they have direct and indirect effects worldwide, affecting politics, economy, security, among other aspects.

In this work, we will address the 'Conflicts in the Middle East 2', a theme that will allow us to explore in-depth the historical, political, and social obstacles of this region. Our goal is to understand and analyze the various nuances that make up the scenario of disputes that have marked and continue to mark the Middle East.

Theoretical Introduction

The first thing we must understand is that the conflicts in the Middle East are not homogeneous, despite what may seem at first glance. They are multifaceted, involving a wide range of actors, from nation-states to ethnic, religious, and political groups. These conflicts are not limited to territorial issues but also involve questions of identity, religion, economy, and power.

At the core of these conflicts are topics such as the Palestinian Question, the Gulf War, the War in Iraq, the Arab Spring, among others. Each of these topics is a conflict in itself, with its particularities and complexities. To understand these topics, we need to investigate both their origins and their current implications.

Another fundamental aspect to understand the conflicts in the Middle East is the impact of foreign interventions in the region. The influence of external powers, such as the USA and Russia, has shaped and continues to shape the geopolitical dynamics in the region. This has direct and indirect consequences, from the formation of strategic alliances to the fueling of sectarian conflicts.

Atividade Prática

Title: Mapping Conflicts in the Middle East

Project Objective:

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of the conflicts in the Middle East, providing a holistic view of the tensions that constitute this region. This will be achieved through the analysis of historical events, examining the role played by foreign interventions, and investigating the impact of these conflicts on the local population.

Detailed Project Description:

This is a long-term project (more than 12 hours per student) for groups of 3 to 5 students. The project requires in-depth research, critical analysis, and synthesis of information in a final presentation.

1. Research and Historical Analysis (4 hours)

Each group needs to select a specific conflict in the Middle East to research. The group should delve into the history and circumstances that led to the conflict.

2. Examining Foreign Intervention (4 hours)

Students must analyze the role played by foreign interventions in the selected conflict. They should investigate which nations were involved and what their respective motivations were.

3. Impact on People (4 hours)

Students should investigate the impact of this conflict on the local population. They should consider aspects such as population displacements, human losses, economic impacts, and social problems resulting from the conflict.

Required Materials:

Students will need internet access to conduct research, as well as software to organize their findings and create a final presentation. This may include programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Prezi.

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Each group selects a specific conflict in the Middle East to research.
3. Conduct in-depth research on the selected conflict, focusing on its history and circumstances.
4. Research and analyze foreign intervention in the conflict, identifying the nations involved and their motivations.
5. Investigate the impact of the conflict on the local population.
6. Organize the information and create a detailed final presentation.

Project Deliverables

• Final Presentation: Each group must prepare a final presentation that synthesizes their findings. The presentation should include an overview of the conflict, an analysis of foreign intervention, and an examination of the impact on the local population.

• Written Report: In addition to the presentation, each group must write a report highlighting their main findings. The report should be structured as follows:

  1. Introduction: Contextualization of the chosen conflict, its relevance, and the report's objective.
  2. Development: Detailed description of the conflict, foreign intervention, and impact on the local population.
  3. Conclusions: Reflections and conclusions based on the findings and analyses made.
  4. Bibliography: Citation of the sources used in the research.

The written report should complement the final presentation, and both should be submitted together.