Bloomsbury Academic Politics and Governance in the Middle East

About the Author Vincent Durac is Associate Professor in Middle East Politics and Development at University College Dublin, Ireland. Product Description This textbook offers a systematic and up-to-date introduction to politics and society in the Middle East. Taking a thematic approach that engages with core theory as well as a wide range of research, it examines postcolonial political, social and economic developments in the region, while also scrutinising the domestic and international factors that have played a central role in these developments. Topics covered include the role of religion in political life, gender and politics, the Israel-Palestine conflict, civil war in Syria, the ongoing threat posed by Islamist groups such as Islamic State as well as the effects of increasing globalisation across the MENA. Following the ongoing legacy of the Arab Spring, it pays particular attention to the tension between processes of democratization and the persistence of authoritarian rule in the region. This new edition offers: - Coverage of the latest developments, with expanded coverage of the military and security apparatus, regional conflict and the Arab uprisings - Textboxes linking key themes to specific historical events, figures and concepts - Comparative spotlight features focusing on the politics and governance of individual countries. This is an ideal resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students approaching Middle Eastern politics for the first time. Review This book is an invaluable resource for students of the Middle East. It is a highly accessible, but nuanced text that rightly eschews simplistic explanations of an increasingly complex region. The authors’ decision to undertake a thematic analysis of events and currents across the last 150 years makes the book one of the best of the genre, and ensures that students of all levels will be well served. --Dara Conduit, Lecturer in Political Science, University of Melbourne, Australia To analyse in depth and nuance the comparative politics of the Middle East in less than 300 pages and to offer such a sum to both the academic community and general public is a real tour de force. Two of the most brilliant representatives of Middle East Studies combine their efforts to synthesize numerous years of burning events, passionate debates and innovative leads. A stellar contribution. --Mohamed-Ali Adraoui, Assistant Professor in Middle East History, Politics and International Relations, Radboud University, the Netherlands This book provides an excellent overview of the historical, religious, social, political and economic context framing the persistence of authoritarianism in the modern Middle East. It analyses the domestic and international forces at play, and what impact this may have on political and security institutions, state society relations and gender relations. Accessible and engaging, Cavatorta and Durac’s book serves as a comprehensive guide for any student of Middle East politics. --Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor of Government, University of Essex, UK