Palestinian Politics

This course provides a study of Palestinian politics, focusing on the historical evolution, internal dynamics, and transformations of the Palestinian national movement. Beginning in the late Ottoman period and the British mandate, it examines the emergence of Palestinian political identity, the formation and development of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and the competition for leadership among major Palestinian movements, especially Fatah and Hamas. The course explores how Palestinian actors navigated critical junctures, including the Nakba, the rise of the PLO, the First Intifada, the establishment of the Palestinian Authority, and the post-Oslo split. While the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict provides context, the primary focus remains on Palestinian decision-making, factional strategies, and the rationale behind key positions. Through scholarly analyses and historical narratives, students will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, debates, and aspirations that have shaped Palestinian political life, including debates surrounding October 7 and its aftermath.