About the Book

This is an introductory text for undergraduate students of Middle Eastern politics. It provides comprehensive coverage of the region via both a thematic framework examining patterns of politics, and the dedication of individual chapters to specific countries. Drawing on these themes as an explicit analytical tool for understanding regional politics, topics discussed include:

• the historical influence of colonialism and major world powers on the shaping of the modern Middle East
• the legacy of Islam
• the political and social aspects of Middle Eastern life: alienation between state and society, poverty and social inequality, ideological crises and renewal.

A key introductory text for students of Middle Eastern politics and history at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this book will also be relevant to policy-makers and any motivated reader.