Product Description

The second edition of this dynamic book has been fully revised and updated to provide a comprehensive introduction to contemporary politics in the Middle East. Purposefully employing a clear thematic structure and including a wide range of case studies, the book explores and analyses the major issues which define the politics of this region of the globe.
Milton–Edwards begins by introducing and explaining key concepts and debates and goes on to outline the impact of colonialism and its legacy, the rise of Arab nationalism and anti–colonial politics. She then examines major political issues affecting the region, such as political Islam, American foreign policy, war and conflict, political economy, democratization, ethnicity and the role of women. The book concludes by highlighting the politics of the region in the twenty–first century and the future challenges it faces. This is a perfect introduction for undergraduates, covering key political, economic and social debates and providing updates and guidance for further reading.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #228164 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Review
"Milton–Edwards′ book will be of particular value to undergraduate students and lay readers interested in a balanced, comprehensive overview of the region. It is delivered clearly and, overall, engagingly."
Australian Journal of Political Science

"The genius of this book is that it integrates the different themes which run through Middle Eastern politics. The coherence of the approach adopted by the author is indicated by the manner in which she has updated the work in this second edition. Despite the substantial changes which the East has undergone since 9/11 and the 2003 Gulf War, the original line of analysis retains all its force. It remains a key reference for all those who are seeking to understand the region’s politics, whether undergraduates, postgraduates or lay readers."
Tim Niblock, Exeter University

"I welcome the new edition of this comprehensive guide to the politics of such an important region of the world. It combines sensible generalizations with useful case studies of particularly important subjects. It is a must for all who wish to understand the complex politics of the modern Middle East."
Roger Owen, Harvard University

"Beverley Milton–Edwards has produced an excellent book, which is both wide–ranging in its coverage and punchy in its arguments. As such, its functions are dual. It works well as a textbook, introducing the general reader to key themes in the contemporary region, from oil politics to ethnicity, to women and nationalism. But it also works as a running commentary on key debates, such as the role of colonialism and the relationship between Islam and democracy. In short, this is a book with attitude."
Philip Robins, St Antony’s College, Oxford

From the Back Cover
The second edition of this dynamic book has been fully revised and updated to provide a comprehensive introduction to contemporary politics in the Middle East. Purposefully employing a clear thematic structure and including a wide range of case studies, the book explores and analyses the major issues which define the politics of this region of the globe.
Milton–Edwards begins by introducing and explaining key concepts and debates and goes on to outline the impact of colonialism and its legacy, the rise of Arab nationalism and anti–colonial politics. She then examines major political issues affecting the region, such as political Islam, American foreign policy, war and conflict, political economy, democratization, ethnicity and the role of women. The book concludes by highlighting the politics of the region in the twenty–first century and the future challenges it faces. This is a perfect introduction for undergraduates, covering key political, economic and social debates and providing updates and guidance for further reading.

About the Author
Beverley Milton–Edwards isReader in the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy at Queen’s University Belfast

Customer Reviews

good introduction
This book has been written for people who are new to the subject. I've tried to get under the skin of the region by looking at political themes which are common to us all rather than a country by country approach. The themes I have included will strike a chord with anyone who has an interest in politics and includes: women, ethnicity, nationalism, economy and democracy.

There is quite an extensive bibliography, case studies and further reading sections which are particularly useful for university students doing courses which relate to the region.

Finally, anyone who buys this book might like to know that ALL the royalties are being donated to the charity Save the Children.

good for study
I have just got hold of this and I'm an undergraduate at Oxford studying Middle East politics. It is defintely user-friendly and up-to-date and the way Edwards has written it makes the subject easy to handle. Good if you've got to write an essay and need something for quick reference