This work, first published in 1972, is an objective introduction to the social, political, and cultural changes that took place in the Middle East in the years after the Second World War. It includes papers by some of the most distinguished scholars in the field as well as personal accounts by insightful observers living in the area. It includes articles on such topics as Arab socialism and nationalism, religious communities, ethnic minorities, women in Arab society, education, and many more.

Cutting-edge examination of the domestic politics, now thoroughly revised to reflect the events of the Arab Spring.

The fourth edition of this dynamic and popular text provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary politics in the Middle East. Fully revised and updated throughout, it features a new chapter on the Arab Spring and its aftermath, plus a wide range of vibrant case studies, data, questions for class discussion and suggestions for further reading. Purposefully employing a clear thematic structure, the book begins by introducing key concepts and contentious debates before outlining the impact of colonialism, and the rise and relevance of Arab nationalism in the region. Major political issues affecting the Middle East are then explored in full. These include political economy, conflict, political Islam, gender, the regional democracy deficit, and ethnicity and minorities. The book also examines the role of key foreign actors, such as the USA, Russia and the EU, and concludes with an in-depth analysis of the Arab uprisings and their impact in an era of uncertainty.

Compilation of previously published articles and essays on traditional culture, cultural change, politics, modernization, and other issues of contemporary society in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - covers the attitudes of different social classes, social structures, elites, governments and political leadership, political and social change, etc., and includes statements by politicians on such themes as nationalism. Annotated bibliography, maps and references.

This second edition considers how the 'global war on terror' has changed the way the West views the Islamic world.