West Asia: Crossroads in Conflict
OpenTakshashila Course
West Asia: Crossroads in Conflict
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?
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.
Leave the course with an unparalleled understanding of what’s at stake in West Asia and how it is reshaping the world order.
The programme is led by Raja Karthikeya, Adjunct Fellow leading West Asia studies at the Takshashila Institution. His areas of research include geopolitics of West Asia, peace mediation, counter-terrorism, nuclear disarmament and the impact of climate change on peace & security.
Cohort 1
| FORMAT | 5 weeks · online |
| CADENCE | Sat 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM IST |
| EARLY BIRD | 20 June 2026 · 25% scholarship |
| RUNS | 11 July – 8 August 2026 |
| FEE | ₹14,000 + GST |
Who this is for
How it works
10 classroom sessions
Saturday modules (9:00–11:30 AM IST) covering the geography, peoples, ideologies, and politics of West Asia.
4 expert talks
Expert dialogue and discussion sessions (11:30 AM–12:30 PM IST) with practitioners and scholars.
Designed for working professionals
Three live webinars each week, anchored on Saturdays. 15 hours of instruction over the 5-week programme.
Certificate
Awarded upon successful completion of the course.
Curriculum
West Asia — A Geography Shaped by History
What History made modern West Asia? Which empires shaped its geography and how do we still find their legacy in today's geography and politics?
West Asia — Peoples and Minorities
Who are the different ethnic and linguistic groups that make up West Asia? How are majority-minority relations in each country?
Modern Ideologies, Ancient Legacies
Which ideologies have shaped the West Asia of today? Why do they matter?
Global Powers, Great Games
What role do extra-regional powers and Great powers play in shaping West Asia's politics and foreign policy?
Deep Dive — Türkiye
Society, Politics, Futures.
Deep Dive — Saudi Arabia, UAE & Qatar
Society, Politics, Futures.
Deep Dive — Israel & Palestine
Society, Politics, Futures.
Deep Dive — Iran
Society, Politics, Futures.
West Asia — Economy and Conflict
How are global oil prices calculated? How does West Asia affect global GDP growth? What sectors in West Asia are likely to be the most attractive for investment after the war?
West Asia & India — Looking Ahead
How do developments in West Asia affect India? What role can India play in peace and stability in the region?
Application process
and fees
Eligibility
Ideal for policymakers, military personnel, professionals, and university students. No prior background required.
Scholarships
15% scholarship for students and Takshashila alumni. 25% early-bird scholarship for applications received before 20 June 2026. Limited merit and need-based scholarships are available. Early applicants have a significant advantage when scholarships are awarded.
Schedule
Saturday classroom modules 9:00–11:30 AM IST, followed by expert dialogue and discussion 11:30 AM–12:30 PM IST. 15 hours of live instruction over 5 weeks.
Cohort 1 Calendar
Five weeks of online sessions from July to August 2026. Early bird closes 20 June. Applications close 24 June.
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