Why does religion continue to play such an important role in the politics of the Middle East? How can we distinguish conflicts rooted in political interests from those shaped by religious identities? And how do historical developments, regional rivalries, international actors, and domestic political systems interact to influence the region today?

The Middle East is often discussed through individual crises, conflicts, and rapidly changing headlines. Understanding the region, however, requires looking beyond isolated events and examining the deeper historical, political, religious, and social forces that shape them.

In this course, Sintija Broka-Kovalevska provides participants with a structured introduction to the contemporary Middle East, with particular attention to the relationship between religion and political power.

Participants will explore the emergence and development of Islam and the ways in which religion has influenced political institutions, social structures, and regional identities. The course then connects this historical foundation with the political development of the modern Middle East and the challenges facing the region today.

Particular attention is given to the main sources of regional conflict and instability, including competing political interests, religious and sectarian divisions, state and non-state actors, regional power competition, and the involvement of international powers.

Rather than treating conflicts as isolated events, the course examines the broader relationships between them and considers how developments in one part of the region can influence political and security dynamics elsewhere.

The course provides a framework for analysing current events and considering possible future developments in the region. It encourages participants to move beyond simplified narratives and develop evidence-based interpretations of complex political processes.

The course combines expert explanation with discussion, giving participants the opportunity to raise questions about current developments and explore how historical and political context can help make sense of events unfolding across the region.

Led by: Sintija Broka-Kovalevska (PhD cand., Mg.sc.pol., LL.M.), Head of Global Affairs at PowerHouse Latvia, and Lecturer at Rīga Stradiņš University and Riga Graduate School of Law. 

Duration: 1.5-2 hours, including the lecture, Q&A, and discussion.

Audience: Professionals, managers, policy and public-sector specialists and organisations seeking a deeper understanding of the Middle East, international politics, and geopolitical developments.

Available in English and Latvian.