The purpose of this course is to understand the strengths and limitations of security cooperation as a geopolitical tool, using historic and contemporary case studies from the Middle East. This region has had an outsize impact on United States foreign policy, and likewise security cooperation. Using case studies, students will explore how lessons learned over time have contributed to where SC legislation and policies stand today. Historic examples illustrate the evolution of the US approach to security cooperation and shed light on contemporary issues in the region. Students will explore the case studies in an online module, then engage in a live discussion about contemporary SC law, policy and regulations in relation those cases. The course also includes a capstone activity that challenges the student to navigate the complex ethical, political, and economic challenges that are endemic to the Middle East.