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West Asia: Crossroads in Conflict
(11th July to 8th August 2026)
Course Details
For the last quarter century, West Asia has made headlines daily. But is a region that stretches from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea, that bridges the Caspian and the Red Sea, and which connects the Caucasus mountains and the Arabian desert and is home to over 300 million people, solely to be defined by its conflicts? What are the opportunities latent in West Asia? The recent war in the region has affected people around the world, and made an impact on our food, fuel and savings. Could its recurrence be avoided?
Learn the nuances of West Asia’s history, its ideological faultlines and why West Asia matters more today than ever before in this 5-week course. Take a deep dive into the politics and society of the nations that are defining the region, and how the world’s powers have engaged West Asia for the past century. Hear from experts from the region on its rapid evolution.
Leave the course with an unparalleled understanding of what’s at stake in West Asia and how it is reshaping the world order.
10 Classroom sessions | 4 Expert talks | 15 hours
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for policymakers, military personnel, professionals, and university students.
Fees and important dates
Course fee: Rs 20,000 + GST
15% scholarship for students and Takshashila alumni.
25% early bird scholarship for applicants who apply before 10th June, 2026.(Only one scholarship is applicable per participant)
Application deadline: 24th June, 2026
Course dates: 11th July to 8th August, 2026
Course Modules
Module 1: West Asia - A Geography Shaped by History
Module 2: West Asia - Peoples and Minorities
Module 3: Modern Ideologies, Ancient Legacies
Module 4: Global Powers, Great Games
Module 5: Deep Dive - Türkiye
Module 6: Deep Dive - Saudi Arabia, UAE & Qatar
Module 7: Deep Dive - Israel & Palestine
Module 8: Deep Dive - Iran
Module 9: West Asia - Economy and Conflict
Module 10: West Asia & India - Looking Ahead
Schedule
Saturday
Modules: 9 AM to 11:30 AMExpert Dialogue / Discussion: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Programme Lead
He is an Adjunct Fellow leading West Asia studies at Takshashila. His areas of research include geopolitics of West Asia, peace mediation, counter-terrorism, nuclear disarmament and the impact of climate change on peace & security.