Written in a clear and accessible manner, this series fills a conspicuous gap in the existing academic literature on the MENA region. It will be of interest not only to students of international politics and Middle East studies, but also to anyone travelling in or wanting to learn more about the region. Here we have provided a selection of the most recent titles, but you can see below for links to the rest of the series.
To receive 20% off any of the series titles for a limited time only*, enter the code GDC72 at checkout.
Lebanon: The Politics of a Penetrated Society
Systematically exploring Lebanon’s history, society and politics, the author stresses the importance of the crucial role of external actors in the Lebanese system. The analysis encompasses:
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the formation of the state
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weaknesses and dynamics of the Lebanese state
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the civil war
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post-war government and change
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the Lebanese economy
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foreign policy
Libya: Continuity and Change
Following a brief look at pre-independence Libya, the author explores the way in which the fragility of the post-independence state, unable to contain rising Arab nationalist struggles and growing economic expectations, opened the way for the Free Unionist Officers led by Muammar al-Qaddafi to seize power. He then traces the progressive development of the revolutionary state through four stages:
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the consolidation of power to 1973
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the projection of power to 1986
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withdrawal and retrenchment to 1999
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the redefinition of the state after 1999.
Jordan: A Hashemite Legacy, 2nd Edition
Under the rule of King Abdullah II, Jordan has remained an influential regional player in the Middle East Peace Process, its strategic position on the borders of Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iraq ensuring that it cannot be overlooked in the regional and international politics. The new edition includes coverage and discussion of:
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the reign of King Abdullah II
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the involvement of the US in the Iraq war and the effect on this on Jordan’s alignment with the West
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the country’s recent economic growth, with an emphasis on economic liberalisation, privatisation, promotion of tourism and encouragement of foreign investment
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the position of Jordan as a point of continuity in an increasingly unstable Middle East.
Turkey: Challenges of Continuity and Change
The authors put issues relevant to Turkey today – such as consolidating democracy, dealing with economic development issues, improving its human rights record and its foreign policy – in an historical context, allowing comparisons with other late developers in the world and reflecting the complexity of Turkish political and socio-economic developments. Turkey also argues that the modernization process that started in the nineteenth century, with all its elements including secularization and Westernization, has taken root.
* = Offer valid until 26th February 2013.
