The Middle East regional system changed dramatically from the 20th to the 21st centuries in terms of the key powers, the motivating ideology, the central issues, and more. The two Gulf wars and the emergence of Iran as a regional power are recent examples. Professor Joel Migdal will analyze these changes and show how Israel and the United States have reacted to them. For both, the new Middle East presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The nature of their future relationship hinges on how each reacts to the transformations.

Joel Migdal is the Robert F. Philip Professor of International Studies in the University of Washington’s Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, and was formerly Associate Professor of Government at Harvard and senior lecturer at Tel Aviv University. He is the author of several books including Peasants, Politics, and Revolution; Palestinian Society and Politics; Strong Societies and Weak States; State in Society; and Through the Lens of Israel. He is a frequent media commentator on the Middle East and has been recognized as an outstanding teacher by his students.