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Government and Politics of the Contemporary Middle East

Continuity and Change

By Tareq Y. Ismael, Jacqueline S. Ismael

Published September 29th 2010 by Routledge – 488 pages

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Description

This exciting new book for students of Middle Eastern politics provides a comprehensive introduction to the complexities of the region, its politics and people. Combining a thematic framework for examining patterns of politics with individual chapters dedicated to specific countries, the book explores current issues within an historical context.

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: alienation between state and society, poverty and social inequality, ideological crises and renewal
  • case studies on countries in the Northern Belt (Turkey and Iran); the Fertile Crescent (Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, Israel and Palestine); and those West and East of the Red Sea (Egypt and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council).
  • extensive pedagogical features, including original maps and detailed further reading sections, provide essential support for the reader.

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

Contents

1. Introduction: Middle East Politics in the 21st Century: Patterns of Continuity and Change Part 1: Dynamics in Middle East Politics 2. The Burden of History: From Empire to Nation State 3. Legacy of Islam: Continuity and Change Part 2: Major Governments and Politics. The Northern Belt 4. The Republic of Turkey 5. The Islamic Republic of Iran with Ali Rezai The Fertile Crescent 6. The Republic of Iraq with Shereen T. Ismael 7. The Syrian Arab Republic and the Lebanese Republic 8. The State of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority with Glenn E. Perry West and East of the Red Sea 9. The Arab Republic of Egypt 10. The Gulf Cooperation Council

Author Bio

Tareq Y. Ismael is Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary, Canada. He is the Secretary General of the International Association of Middle Eastern Studies and co-editor of The International Journal of Contemporary Iraqi Studies. His current research focuses on human rights and civil society in the Middle East, and he has written numerous books on ideologies in the Middle East and the international and domestic politics of Middle Eastern countries.

Jacqueline S. Ismael is Professor of Social Work at the University of Calgary, Canada. Her research interests and numerous publications lie in the areas of Canadian social policy, international social development, comparative welfare states, human rights, social change. She is one of the founding members of the International Association of Contemporary Iraqi Studies and is co-editor of The International Journal of Contemporary Iraqi Studies.