This program concentrates on the strategically important area that extends eastward and northward from the Arabian Peninsula to include Pakistan and Central Asia. Since this same region forms the core of classical Islamic civilization, understanding its cultural and institutional history is a necessary part of the analysis of its contemporary problems. Among subjects receiving special attention are: international competition in Southwest Asia; security in the Gulf and Red Sea; military competition and the arms trade; modernization of Saudi Arabia and Iran; regional economic development and international trade; Islamic fundamentalism; ethnic violence; politics of oil and petrochemicals; and modern technology and social change.
The field covers a variety of topics and areas, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the globalization of central Asia and the Caucasus; and the history, politics, and culture of areas including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, southwest Asia, Turkey.
The program offers a range of language learning opportunities in the greater Boston area and in the Middle East. Each year several students attend summer language training and pursue internships in the Middle East, Central Asia and Southwest Asia.
The Southwest Asia and Islamic Civilization field of study requires the completion of a minimum of three courses.