Middle East and Northern Africa: Israel “The Case of Israel”

In this chapter, I reflect on my personal experience as an Instructor in the core course “Introduction to the Study of International Relations,” which I taught at the Department of International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, from 1998 to 2021. Teaching International Relations Theories in Israel is a unique experience due to the particular characteristics of the country. The geopolitical and cultural constraints of Israel have party determined the menu of choice about teaching IR theories in the country, emphasizing sub-fields such as security studies and conflict studies, while neglecting global studies, peace studies, and even IPE. Eventually, I try not to teach my Israeli students just theories of IR, I want to help them evolve into critical thinkers, aware of the complexities of social realities, as true disciples of Socrates, the Talmud, and Maimonides, preparing them to become citizens of the world.