Contemporary Politics in the Middle East

This dynamic new textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary politics in the Middle East for those coming to the subject for the first time. Purposefully employing a clear thematic structure, the book explores and analyses the major issues which define the politics of this region. The book offers a deeper perspective than standard texts, and with each chapter links the broad themes of politics, such as democratization, with specific case studies. Milton-Edwards begins by introducing and explaining key concepts and debates such as what the West means by the Middle East and Orientalism. She then discusses the impact of colonialism and its legacy, the rise of Arab nationalism and anti-colonial politics. In subsequent chapters she examines major political issues affecting the region, such as political economy, Islam and the state, conflicts and peacemaking, democratization and participation, ethnicity and ethno-national conflict, minorities and the role of women in states from Morocco to Iran. The book concludes by highlighting the new politics of the region and future directions in the new millennium. The text is a perfect introduction for undergraduates, as it covers key social and political debates, provides updates and guidance for further reading and is an excellent invitation for further study of this fascinating region of the world. This book will be of interest to second- and third- year undergraduates and above in politics and Middle Eastern studies