POLI340 Comparative Politics of the Middle East -
Midterm Exam
McGill University - Winter 2023, Prof. Douek
Answer any 4 of the following 6 mini-essay questions (25% each). Wherever
possible, use the names and arguments of authors we’ve read.
1) Drawing upon one or more cases that we’ve examined, discuss the roles
of state elites, peasants, and landed elites in shaping state formation.
What outcomes have these classes’ interactions produced, and why?
2) How does social movement theory help us to understand religious
movements in the Middle East? And how have state elites used religion
to impose their power and authority?
3) What will be the likely political implications of climate change in the
Middle East?
4) What are the key tenets of Arab Nationalism, and what roles has this
ideology played in Middle East politics?
5) What has been oil’s impact on Middle East politics? Use relevant class
material to cast a broad analysis.
6) How have the processes of Middle Eastern state formation contributed
towards authoritarian regimes’ staying power?
Instructions (please read carefully before you begin):
• Your answers should draw upon the lectures and, especially, the class
readings. There is no expectation that you will do any outside research
for this exam, and in fact, this is discouraged; better answers will show a
deep engagement with the class material, and an understanding of key
concepts and cases and how they interrelate.
• Your answers should be 750-800 words in length each (you’ll lose 3%
for each answer that exceeds 800 words). The word limit exists to protect
your TAs, who will be doing all the grading for our class. If you feel you
have lots more to say, edit your answers carefully to condense as much
information as possible into the word limit (this is an advanced writing
skill). Be sure to include a word count at the end of each essay.
Midterm Exam
McGill University - Winter 2023, Prof. Douek
Answer any 4 of the following 6 mini-essay questions (25% each). Wherever
possible, use the names and arguments of authors we’ve read.
1) Drawing upon one or more cases that we’ve examined, discuss the roles
of state elites, peasants, and landed elites in shaping state formation.
What outcomes have these classes’ interactions produced, and why?
2) How does social movement theory help us to understand religious
movements in the Middle East? And how have state elites used religion
to impose their power and authority?
3) What will be the likely political implications of climate change in the
Middle East?
4) What are the key tenets of Arab Nationalism, and what roles has this
ideology played in Middle East politics?
5) What has been oil’s impact on Middle East politics? Use relevant class
material to cast a broad analysis.
6) How have the processes of Middle Eastern state formation contributed
towards authoritarian regimes’ staying power?
Instructions (please read carefully before you begin):
• Your answers should draw upon the lectures and, especially, the class
readings. There is no expectation that you will do any outside research
for this exam, and in fact, this is discouraged; better answers will show a
deep engagement with the class material, and an understanding of key
concepts and cases and how they interrelate.
• Your answers should be 750-800 words in length each (you’ll lose 3%
for each answer that exceeds 800 words). The word limit exists to protect
your TAs, who will be doing all the grading for our class. If you feel you
have lots more to say, edit your answers carefully to condense as much
information as possible into the word limit (this is an advanced writing
skill). Be sure to include a word count at the end of each essay.
