Middle East Politics and International Relations

"New developments require new thinking for students of the contemporary Middle East. Continuing civil war and humanitarian crises, coupled with a changing geopolitical dynamic through increased engagement with Russia and China, has caused immense regional and global repercussions. This second edition of the ground-breaking textbook Middle East Politics and International Relations: Crisis Zone provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary Middle East politics. The book traces the roots of recent events across the region's modern history, enabling readers to appreciate both the significance of such events, as well as the importance of history in influencing their outcomes. Structured chronologically, with updated stand-alone chapters containing history, context, and contemporary analyses, this edition examines a series of interconnected themes and issues, including external intervention, political manifestations of Islam, the role of political authority, nationalism, self-determination, and human rights. The book provides a valuable teaching tool, both in its content and structure. Students will gain a deeper understanding of a changed Middle East and the evolving role of states and non-state actors in the region"--