This course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This online course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.
What will we cover?
-The implications of of the Sykes-Picot treaty -The impact of WWII -The rise of American power and its consequences in the Middle East -The struggle for power in Syria -Nasserism -The US and Britain -The Iranian Revolution -The impact of the Gulf wars
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Analyse contemporary politics through the prism of power politics in the region - Identify the key aspects of the historical roots of the struggle - Analyse the post WWII reconfiguration of the Middle East - Identify the opposing arguments about the struggle and its origins.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, interactive group discussion, slideshow, tutor-guided analysis of texts/video clips. There are no outside work to prepare, for this course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No costs. Bring note making items (paper, pen, tablet, laptop) as required or desired.
Dr. Noman Hanif is a lecturer at Birkbeck with the department of politics. He specialises in global politics and international security with particular focus on the Middle East and Political Islam. He has a PhD in International relations from Royal Holloway, University of London. Dr. Hanif has taught at other universities including Kent, Royal Holloway and Exeter. Between 2009/10, he was visiting professor in global political Islam at the University of West Virginia, US.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/how-america-replaced-britain-in-the-middle-east-1945-2003174605How America replaced Britain in the Middle East 1945-2003https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/america-40s-HCC04-1024.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/vm/Issues Facing Our World/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Caribbean & Americas/Courses/vm/War and society170022851177117811801339312285165311771178This course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region. This course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.104.83064618How America replaced Britain in the Middle East 1945-20037979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/america-40s-HCC04-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-11-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceNov 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHAH087979How America replaced Britain in the Middle East 1945-2003635179Nomaan Hanifhow-america-replaced-britain-in-the-middle-east-1945-2003/hah08-2627This course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.0000-Available|2026-11-28 00:00:00This online course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.This course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.<p>-The implications of of the Sykes-Picot treaty<br>-The impact of WWII<br>-The rise of American power and its consequences in the Middle East<br>-The struggle for power in Syria<br>-Nasserism<br>-The US and Britain<br>-The Iranian Revolution<br>-The impact of the Gulf wars</p>- Analyse contemporary politics through the prism of power politics in the region<br>- Identify the key aspects of the historical roots of the struggle<br>- Analyse the post WWII reconfiguration of the Middle East<br>- Identify the opposing arguments about the struggle and its origins.<p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.<br><br>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.<br><br>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p>Tutor presentation, interactive group discussion, slideshow, tutor-guided analysis of texts/video clips. There are no outside work to prepare, for this course.No costs. Bring note making items (paper, pen, tablet, laptop) as required or desired.<ul><li>HPC47 Contemporary Middle Eastern politics</li><li>HPC99 Understanding the Israel-Palestine Conflict</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/the-middle-east-north-africa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming Middle Eastern history courses here.</a></p>HistoryThe Caribbean & Americasvirtual637951HAH08NONESat28/11/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyWeekendKSKeeley StreetNomaan HanifBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-11-28T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeNov 2026Culture, history & humanities7979How America replaced Britain in the Middle East 1945-2003how-america-replaced-britain-in-the-middle-east-1945-2003/hah08-2627This course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.0000-Available|2026-11-28 00:00:00This online course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.This course charts the post 1945 entrance of the United States into the Middle East and the power struggle which ensued with Britain as a consequence. The course pierces the official discourse on the transatlantic relationship and provides a different perspective on how to understand and explain the volatile politics of the region.<p>-The implications of of the Sykes-Picot treaty<br>-The impact of WWII<br>-The rise of American power and its consequences in the Middle East<br>-The struggle for power in Syria<br>-Nasserism<br>-The US and Britain<br>-The Iranian Revolution<br>-The impact of the Gulf wars</p>- Analyse contemporary politics through the prism of power politics in the region<br>- Identify the key aspects of the historical roots of the struggle<br>- Analyse the post WWII reconfiguration of the Middle East<br>- Identify the opposing arguments about the struggle and its origins.<p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.<br><br>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.<br><br>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p>Tutor presentation, interactive group discussion, slideshow, tutor-guided analysis of texts/video clips. There are no outside work to prepare, for this course.No costs. Bring note making items (paper, pen, tablet, laptop) as required or desired.<ul><li>HPC47 Contemporary Middle Eastern politics</li><li>HPC99 Understanding the Israel-Palestine Conflict</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/the-middle-east-north-africa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming Middle Eastern history courses here.</a></p>HistoryThe Caribbean & Americasconfigurable
11801178The Caribbean & Americashttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/american-history1/2/285/1177/1178/11801/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Caribbean & Americas
