Contemporary Politics in the Middle East

by Beverley Milton-Edwards

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2000

Reviews

[Tolga Çevik · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good introductory book on Middle Eastern politics. It may be especially beneficial if this is your first time reading about the region's politics. Of course, I am not an expert. I can't teach you about the complex nature of the region's political economy or the economic systems of each country. However, CAN WE PLEASE STOP LABELING A STATE AS COMMUNIST/SOCIALIST JUST BECAUSE THE STATE BARELY INTERVENES IN THE ECONOMY?

[social hotdog · Rating 4 out of 5]

arguably not so contemporary anymore, but still clear on histories of colonization/resistance mvts, ethnic identities, formation of nation-states, and goddamn dense. plow thru that shit.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a textbook for school. Interesting overview of current politics and the past influences that contributed. Some areas seem flawed and wishy washy however.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, solid starting point for study of the region. Milton-Edwards provides an overview of several of the major issues facing the modern Middle East (from the colonial period to the present) and details the issues (ethnicity, political Islam, colonialism, etc) with short case studies focusing on relevant topics (one later case study, for instance, goes into more depth on the nature of the relationship between the US and Israel). One of the nicer things about this particular book is the reading list that's found at the end of each chapter.