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This exciting new edition of the successful textbook for students of Middle Eastern politics provides a highly relevant and comprehensive introduction to the complexities of a region in constant flux. Combining a thematic framework for examining patterns of politics with individual chapters dedicated to specific countries, the book places the very latest developments and long-standing issues within an historical context. This third edition extends its analysis to post-2015 developments in the region, as well as expanding the range of pedagogical features on offer.
Presenting information in an accessible and inclusive format, the book offers:
Coverage of the historical influence of colonialism and major world powers on the shaping of the modern Middle East
A detailed examination of the legacy of Islam
Analysis of the political and social aspects of Middle Eastern life, including alienation between the state and society, poverty and social inequality, and ideological crisis and renewal
Case studies on countries in the Fertile Crescent (Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, and Israel/Palestine); the Northern Belt (Turkey and Iran); and those West and East of the Red Sea (Egypt and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council)
A key introductory text for students of Middle Eastern politics and history at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this new edition has been extensively updated to also become a timely and significant reference for policy-makers and any motivated reader.
List of contents
1. Introduction: Middle East Politics: Patterns of Continuity and Change Part I: Dynamics in Middle East Politics 2. The Burden of History: From Empire to Nation States? 3. The Legacy of Islam: Past and Present 4. The Oppressive State and Civil Society: Role of the Military and Police Part II: Comparative Politics of the Middle East The Fertile Crescent 5. The Republic of Iraq (Shereen T. Ismael) 6. The Syrian Arab Republic and the Lebanese Republic 7. Israel and Palestine (Glenn E. Perry) Arabs in North Africa 8. The Arab Republic of Egypt The Northern Belt 9. The Republic of Turkey 10. The Islamic Republic of Iran The Arabian Peninsula 11. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (Isa Blumi)
About the author
Tareq Y. Ismael is a professor of political science at the University of Calgary, Canada, and the Secretary General of the International Association of Middle Eastern Studies. He has published extensively on the Middle East, Iraq, international studies, and the political ideologies of the Middle East.
Jacqueline S. Ismael is Professor Emerita of Social Work at the University of Calgary and is founding co-editor of the International Journal of Contemporary Iraqi Studies. She has published extensively on Canadian social policy, international social welfare, and Middle East politics.
Summary
This exciting new edition of the successful textbook for students of Middle Eastern politics provides a highly relevant and comprehensive introduction to the complexities of a region in constant flux, extending its analysis to post-2015 developments in the region, as well as expanding the range of pedagogical features on offer.
