The U.S. and the Middle East: 1914 to 9/11

Gain perspective and understanding on a troubled region with this course that provides a narrative history and analysis of U.S. political involvement in the Middle East.

Course No. 8593

At the dawn of World War I, the United States was only a rising power. Our reputation was relatively benign among Middle Easterners, who saw no imperial ambitions in our presence. Yet by September 11, 2001, everything had changed. This 24-lecture series by an award-winning scholar traces America’s evolving role in the region—from educational philanthropy to becoming the target of anti-Western sentiment.

Key Themes

• Growing American involvement in Middle Eastern affairs
• The region’s quest for political independence
• Cold War tensions complicating U.S. objectives
• Escalating antagonism culminating in 9/11

Video Lessons

01: A Meeting of Two Worlds (34 min)

Introduction to themes of American power, regional aspirations, and growing tensions as World War I begins.

02: Wilson & the Breakup of the Ottoman Empire (32 min)

How Wilson’s vision of self-determination shaped post-WWI Middle Eastern borders.

03: The Interwar Period (30 min)

America’s shifting focus to Saudi oil and Zionist activism amid Nazi persecution of Jews.

[… condensed for brevity – full 24 lessons would be listed in this format …]

23: The United States & Osama bin Laden (31 min)

Bin Laden’s emergence from Afghan jihad to al-Qa’ida’s anti-American terror campaign.

24: September 11 & Its Aftermath (31 min)

The 9/11 attacks and their transformative impact on U.S. Middle East policy.