Course Schedule: Friday, Monday, Wednesday | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM IST
Start Date: August 1, 2025, via Zoom
Duration: 16 weeks (48 sessions)
Course Fee: $250 USD for International Scholars
For queries: Shubhda.Chaudhary@proton.me
Registration: https://forms.gle/4mSZR7f5v4LmXFGw8
Course Overview
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the Iran-Israel conflict, exploring its historical roots, contemporary dynamics, regional implications, and potential future scenarios. Students will analyze primary sources, diplomatic communications, military strategies, and geopolitical factors that shape this pivotal Middle Eastern rivalry. Recordings of the classes would be available to the scholars as well as the reading materials.
Week 1: Historical Foundations (Aug 1, 4, 6)
Session 1 (Aug 1) – Pre-Revolutionary Iran-Israel Relations
- Ancient Persian-Jewish connections and historical context
- Pahlavi Dynasty and Israel: The “Peripheral Alliance” (1950s-1979)
- Shah’s Iran as Israel’s strategic partner
- Oil diplomacy and intelligence cooperation
- Regional dynamics: Arab-Israeli wars and Iran’s position
Session 2 (Aug 4) – The 1979 Revolution: Turning Point
- Islamic Revolution and ideological transformation – How’s Shia clergy is different than Sunni clergy in Arab countries.
- Ayatollah Khomeini’s anti-Zionist doctrine
- Immediate aftermath: Embassy seizure and diplomatic rupture
- Revolutionary Guards formation and regional ambitions
- PLO relations and Palestinian support shift
Session 3 (Aug 6) – Early Hostilities and Deep State Formation (1980s)
- Iran-Iraq War impact on institutional development
- Israel’s complex position and deep state calculations
- Arms sales controversies and institutional memory
- Lebanon invasion (1982) and deep state responses
- Formation of Hezbollah and institutional proxy networks
- Deep state continuity through political transitions
Week 2: Ideological Dimensions (Aug 8, 11, 13)
Session 4 (Aug 8) – Religious and Theological Factors
- Shi’a Islam and Jewish state legitimacy
- Concept of “Little Satan” vs “Great Satan”
- Messianic elements in Iranian ideology
- Jerusalem’s significance in Islamic theology
- Religious nationalism in Israeli policy
Session 5 (Aug 11) – Political Ideologies and State Narratives
- Islamic Republic’s anti-imperialist discourse
- Zionism as perceived existential threat
- Iranian revolutionary export doctrine
- Israeli security doctrine and preemption
- Competing regional leadership claims
Session 6 (Aug 13) – Propaganda and Information Warfare
- State media narratives and public opinion
- Holocaust denial and historical revisionism
- Cartoon controversies and cultural warfare
- Social media and digital battlegrounds
- Educational curricula and youth indoctrination
Week 3: Nuclear Dimensions (Aug 15, 18, 20)
Session 7 (Aug 15) – Nuclear Program Origins
- Iranian nuclear program history (1950s-present)
- Israeli nuclear capabilities and ambiguity policy
- NPT obligations and international law
- IAEA inspections and compliance issues
- Technology transfer and international assistance
Session 8 (Aug 18) – Nuclear Diplomacy and Sanctions
- EU-3 negotiations and early diplomatic efforts
- UN Security Council resolutions
- Comprehensive sanctions regime
- P5+1 process and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
- Trump administration withdrawal and “maximum pressure”
Session 9 (Aug 20) – Nuclear Crisis and Military Options
- Israeli military planning and capabilities
- Bunker-buster bombs and operational challenges
- Iranian nuclear facilities and defensive measures
- Regional allies and coalition building
- Deterrence theory and mutual assured destruction
Week 4: Proxy Wars and Regional Theater (Aug 22, 25, 27)
Session 10 (Aug 22) – Lebanon: The Northern Front
- Hezbollah formation and evolution
- 2006 Lebanon War analysis
- Rocket arsenals and missile capabilities
- UN Resolution 1701 and peacekeeping
- Border tensions and recent escalations
Session 11 (Aug 25) – Syria: The Strategic Corridor
- Assad regime relations with Iran
- Syrian civil war and Iranian intervention
- Israeli airstrikes and “campaign between wars”
- Russian factor and coordination mechanisms
- Strategic weapons transfers and red lines
Session 12 (Aug 27) – Gaza and Palestinian Proxies
- Iran-Hamas relationship evolution
- Islamic Jihad and smaller factions
- Weapon smuggling and tunnel networks
- Gaza conflicts and Iranian involvement
- West Bank operations and funding
Week 5: Regional Power Dynamics (Aug 29, Sep 1, 3)
Session 13 (Aug 29) – The Saudi Factor
- Saudi-Iran rivalry and sectarian dimensions
- Abraham Accords and regional realignment
- Oil politics and economic warfare
- Yemen conflict and proxy competition
- Potential Saudi-Israeli cooperation
Session 14 (Sep 1) – Gulf States and Maritime Security
- UAE-Iran relations and commercial ties
- Strait of Hormuz and shipping lanes
- Naval incidents and escalation risks
- Cyber warfare in the Gulf
- Energy security implications
Session 15 (Sep 3) – Iraq: The Contested Battleground
- Post-2003 Iranian influence expansion
- Shi’a militias and Popular Mobilization Units
- Israeli strikes on Iranian assets
- Iraqi government balancing act
- Kurdistan Region dynamics
Week 6: Military Strategies and Capabilities (Sep 5, 8, 10)
Session 16 (Sep 5) – Iranian Military Doctrine
- Revolutionary Guards vs. regular military
- Asymmetric warfare strategies
- Missile program and precision capabilities
- Naval forces and unconventional tactics
- Cyber warfare capabilities
Session 17 (Sep 8) – Israeli Military Doctrine
- IDF structure and special forces
- Intelligence capabilities (Mossad, AMAN, Shin Bet)
- Air superiority and precision strikes
- Iron Dome and defensive systems
- Targeted assassinations and covert operations
Session 18 (Sep 10) – Arms Race and Military Balance
- Conventional forces comparison
- Missile and rocket capabilities
- Defense systems and countermeasures
- Military spending and procurement
- Technology gaps and advantages
Week 7: Intelligence Wars and Deep State Operations (Sep 12, 15, 17)
Session 19 (Sep 12) – Deep State Covert Operations
- Mossad operations in Iran and deep state coordination
- Iranian intelligence services and Revolutionary Guards
- Assassination campaigns and institutional approval
- Scientific program targeting and policy continuity
- Embassy attacks and deep state retaliation
- Off-the-books operations and deniability
Session 20 (Sep 15) – Deep State Intelligence Escalations
- Stuxnet development and inter-agency coordination
- Nuclear scientist assassinations and deep state authorization
- Drone warfare and institutional decision-making
- Intelligence sharing with allies and deep state networks
- Counter-intelligence measures and institutional protection
- Deep state coordination during crisis periods
Session 21 (Sep 17) – International Deep State Networks
- US intelligence coordination and institutional relationships
- European intelligence services and deep state cooperation
- Russian and Chinese intelligence and state apparatus
- Gulf state intelligence cooperation and deep state alignment
- Intelligence failures and institutional accountability
- Deep state influence on official diplomatic positions
Week 8: Economic Warfare (Sep 19, 22, 24)
Session 22 (Sep 19) – Sanctions Architecture
- Unilateral vs. multilateral sanctions
- Banking and financial restrictions
- Oil and energy sector targeting
- Technology and dual-use goods
- Humanitarian exemptions and loopholes
Session 23 (Sep 22) – Economic Impact Assessment
- Iranian economy under sanctions
- Israeli economic considerations
- Regional economic implications
- Black market and smuggling networks
- Cryptocurrency and sanctions evasion
Session 24 (Sep 24) – Energy Politics
- Oil market manipulation
- Natural gas discoveries and disputes
- Pipeline politics and energy corridors
- Renewable energy strategic implications
- Energy weapon utilization
Week 9: International Dimensions and Deep State Coordination (Sep 26, 29, Oct 1)
Session 25 (Sep 26) – US Deep State and Iran-Israel Policy
- US-Iran relations and bureaucratic continuity
- US-Israel special relationship and institutional bonds
- Congressional dynamics vs. deep state preferences
- Military aid and intelligence sharing institutions
- Regional strategy and deep state coordination
- Career officials vs. political appointees on Iran policy
Session 26 (Sep 29) – European Deep State Networks
- EU Iran policy and bureaucratic establishments
- European Jewish communities and institutional memory
- JCPOA preservation and deep state interests
- Sanctions implementation and institutional capacity
- Diplomatic mediation and deep state channels
- Intelligence cooperation and institutional relationships
Session 27 (Oct 1) – Global Deep State Interactions
- Russia-Iran strategic partnership and state apparatus
- Chinese economic ties and institutional coordination
- Arms sales and deep state approval mechanisms
- UN Security Council dynamics and deep state influence
- Great power competition and institutional rivalry
- Deep state coordination in crisis management
Week 10: Domestic Politics and Deep State Dynamics (Oct 3, 6, 8)
Session 28 (Oct 3) – Iranian Deep State Structure
- Revolutionary Guards as parallel state apparatus
- Clerical establishment and velayat-e faqih system
- Intelligence services overlap and competition
- Economic networks and bonyads (foundations)
- Shadow diplomacy and unofficial channels
- Reformist vs. hardliner dynamics within deep state
- Parliamentary elections and deep state influence
Session 29 (Oct 6) – Israeli Deep State and Security Apparatus
- Military-industrial complex and defense establishment
- Intelligence community coordination and rivalries
- Knesset parties vs. security establishment priorities
- Career bureaucrats vs. political appointees
- Defense contractors and lobby influence
- Public opinion vs. security establishment assessments
- Election campaigns and deep state continuity
Session 30 (Oct 8) – Deep State Networks and External Influence
- AIPAC and institutionalized pro-Israel lobbying
- Iranian-American organizations and exile networks
- Think tanks as deep state influence mechanisms
- Revolving door between government and private sector
- Academic institutions and intelligence connections
- Media relationships with security establishments
- International deep state coordination
Week 11: Humanitarian and Social Impacts (Oct 10, 13, 15)
Session 31 (Oct 10) – Civilian Populations
- Sanctions impact on Iranian civilians
- Israeli civilian security concerns
- Refugee and displacement issues
- Medical supplies and humanitarian aid
- Educational exchanges and cultural ties
Session 32 (Oct 13) – Human Rights Dimensions
- Iranian political prisoners and dissidents
- Israeli Arab population perspectives
- Women’s rights and social movements
- Religious minorities protection
- International human rights law
Session 33 (Oct 15) – Cultural and Social Connections
- Persian Jewish community in Israel
- Iranian exile communities
- Cultural exchanges and restrictions
- Sports and artistic interactions
- Digital connections and social media
Week 12: Legal and Diplomatic Frameworks (Oct 17, 20, 22)
Session 34 (Oct 17) – International Law Applications
- UN Charter and self-defense rights
- International Court of Justice cases
- Treaty obligations and violations
- Diplomatic immunity and embassy protection
- War crimes and accountability
Session 35 (Oct 20) – Deep State Diplomatic Channels
- Back-channel communications and institutional networks
- Third-party mediation through deep state connections
- Confidence-building measures and institutional trust
- Track II diplomacy and deep state participation
- Academic and business exchanges with intelligence oversight
- Deep state role in diplomatic breakthrough attempts
Session 36 (Oct 22) – Multilateral Frameworks
- UN Security Council resolutions
- IAEA safeguards and inspections
- Regional security arrangements
- Arms control treaties
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
Week 13: Crisis Management (Oct 24, 27, 29)
Session 37 (Oct 24) – Escalation Dynamics
- Red lines and deterrence failures
- Crisis communication mechanisms
- Military alert levels and mobilization
- Alliance obligations and responses
- De-escalation strategies
Session 38 (Oct 27) – Case Studies in Crisis
- Tanker War (1980s)
- Khobar Towers bombing
- 2019 Gulf crisis
- Soleimani assassination aftermath
- Recent drone and missile incidents
Session 39 (Oct 29) – Conflict Prevention
- Early warning systems
- Diplomatic hotlines
- Military-to-military communication
- International mediation mechanisms
- Preventive diplomacy tools
Week 14: Future Scenarios (Oct 31, Nov 3, 5)
Session 40 (Oct 31) – Military Conflict Scenarios
- Limited strike scenarios
- Full-scale war implications
- Regional conflagration risks
- International intervention possibilities
- Post-conflict reconstruction challenges
Session 41 (Nov 3) – Diplomatic Resolution Paths
- Comprehensive negotiation frameworks
- Phased agreement possibilities
- Confidence-building measures
- Economic incentives and guarantees
- Regional security architecture
Session 42 (Nov 5) – Regime Change Implications
- Iranian political transition scenarios
- Israeli political realignment
- Regional power vacuum risks
- International intervention consequences
- Democratic transition challenges
Week 15: Contemporary Developments (Nov 7, 10, 12)
Session 43 (Nov 7) – Recent Escalations Analysis
- 2023-2024 developments
- Gaza conflict implications
- Regional alliance shifts
- Nuclear program advances
- Diplomatic breakthrough attempts
Session 44 (Nov 10) – Emerging Technologies Impact
- AI and autonomous weapons
- Space warfare capabilities
- Quantum computing implications
- Biotechnology and chemical weapons
- Information warfare evolution
Session 45 (Nov 12) – Climate Change and Resource Conflicts
- Water scarcity implications
- Environmental degradation
- Climate migration pressures
- Energy transition impacts
- Green technology competition
Week 16: Synthesis and Assessment (Nov 14, 17, 19)
Session 46 (Nov 14) – Theoretical Frameworks and Deep State Analysis
- Realism vs. liberalism in conflict analysis
- Constructivist approaches to identity and institutions
- Game theory and strategic interaction between deep states
- Systems theory and regional deep state dynamics
- Historical institutionalism and deep state evolution
- Deep state theory and national security apparatus
- Bureaucratic politics and institutional interests
Session 47 (Nov 17) – Policy Recommendations
- Student policy paper presentations
- Alternative strategy assessments
- Risk-benefit analysis of options
- Implementation challenges
- Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
Session 48 (Nov 19) – Final Assessment and Future Research
- Comprehensive exam review
- Unresolved questions identification
- Future research directions
- Career applications and opportunities
- Course evaluation and feedback
Learning Objectives
By course completion, scholars will be able to:
- Analyze the historical evolution of Iran-Israel relations
- Evaluate the impact of nuclear weapons on regional stability
- Assess the role of proxy conflicts in broader strategic competition
- Understand the domestic political factors shaping foreign policy
- Critically examine media narratives and propaganda
- Analyze deep state structures and their influence on policy
- Evaluate institutional continuity vs. political change
- Assess deep state coordination in international relations
- Propose evidence-based policy recommendations
- Predict potential future scenarios and their implications
- Navigate complex ethical and legal dimensions of conflict
Course Instructor
Dr. Shubhda Chaudhary is the Founder and Director of Middle East Insights Platform – India’s premier online volunteer-based organization with an extensive network of members spanning South Asia, Middle East, and Africa. A distinguished scholar and practitioner in Global Politics and Media, Dr. Chaudhary specializes in West Asian Politics with particular expertise in conflict analysis, regional security dynamics, and geopolitical intelligence.
Academic Excellence: Dr. Chaudhary holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in West Asian Politics from the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), recognized as one of Asia’s leading institutions for international relations studies. She further enhanced her expertise with an M.A. in International Journalism from the University of Westminster (London), combining rigorous academic training with practical media and communication skills.
Global Experience: With extensive fieldwork and professional experience across multiple continents, Dr. Chaudhary has lived and worked in Egypt, Oman, West Bank, Saudi Arabia, United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Jordan. This immersive cross-cultural experience provides her with unparalleled insights into regional dynamics, local perspectives, and on-ground realities that inform her analytical approach to Middle Eastern affairs.
Distinguished Teaching Portfolio: Dr. Chaudhary has delivered guest lectures at world-renowned institutions including the University of Cambridge (UK), University of Connecticut, and University of West Florida. Her teaching methodology combines theoretical rigor with practical case studies, drawing from her extensive fieldwork and research experience.
International Recognition: She has been selected to represent India at the prestigious Study of US Institutes (SUSI) program in Seattle and Washington DC, demonstrating her recognition as a leading voice in international affairs. Additionally, she completed specialized training in Johannesburg, South Africa, further broadening her expertise in global governance and conflict resolution.
Scholarly Contributions: Dr. Chaudhary’s research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes by internationally acclaimed publishers including Routledge, I.B. Tauris, American University of Cairo Press, and Sage Publications. Her work has been cited by scholars, policymakers, and analysts worldwide, establishing her as a thought leader in Middle Eastern studies.
Professional Networks: Through the Middle East Insights Platform, Dr. Chaudhary has built an extensive network of academics, diplomats, journalists, and policy experts across the region, providing students with access to diverse perspectives and current developments in Middle Eastern affairs.
Research Specializations: Iran-Israel relations, Gulf security architecture, sectarian dynamics, energy geopolitics, regional proxy conflicts, intelligence analysis, and the intersection of domestic politics and foreign policy in the Middle East.
To register for the course, kindly fill the form https://forms.gle/4mSZR7f5v4LmXFGw8
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