You may have found that in your studies, there are certain regions of events you are looking into which having a rather complex social, demographical and historical context, making the contemporary international relations of the region a little more difficult to grasp. Here are are some different ways to familiarise yourself with the region.
Looking at the different factions and parties involved, then understanding their positions, ideology, goals and history. This is important as you have a clear picture of who the different actors are, which will be key in seeing why different developments have come about or may arise. It is also important to be aware of the relations between different factions, and how these shift overtime.
Knowing timelines with key events and milestones is important as you have a clearer picture of how different situations, as well as the overall state of a region, evolve overtime. Historical movements are also good to look at as they help to explain certain developments and aspects of a region.
The external influences that shape a region is also of great importance. Many times, movements and developments internal to a region do not only progress or involve due to internal factors. Foreign intervention, clandestine operations carried out by foreign intelligence services, international aid and development, business interests (particularly from large multinational enterprises) and more, can absolutely affect and shape a region. It could help you to map which external forces are supporting which internal actors and factions.
Not only is it good to look at external forces influencing a region, but also how developments in another region may affect the region you are studying. This is where you’d be able to look more in depth at how the interests of parties and factions internal to your region, propagate and manifest their goals via exerting influence in other regions.
To deepen your understanding, it would be beneficial to read books which delve deeper than the specific aspect you may be looking at. For example, if you are studying the relation between the US and Saudi Arabia, it would give you more immersive context to understand the history of Saudi Arabia, and the Arabian Peninsula as a whole. In addition to this, reading about the economy of Saudi Arabia would also be beneficial. This would better enable you to develop a deeper understanding as to what might shape US-Saudi relations.
These are a few different approaches to developing your knowledge and discernment of a region with a web of complex ties and relations between different events, actors and ideologies.