A Vanishing West in the Middle East: The Recent History of US-Europe Cooperation in the Region

A Vanishing West in the Middle East explores the history of Western cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa since the end of the Cold War, highlighting U.S. successes and failures in enlisting allies for campaigns in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. It questions the concept of Western intervention in a region influenced by assertive Chinese, Russian, Iranian, Emirati, and Turkish foreign policies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A Vanishing West in the Middle East delves into the intricate history of Western engagement in the Middle East and North Africa since the end of the Cold War. Drawing upon over fifty in-depth interviews with diplomats, experts, and academic literature, the book offers a comprehensive account of the operational and political frameworks through which the United States and European countries have intervened in the Arab world. It explores the evolving dynamics of their relations with the region, shedding light on both successes and failures in enlisting allies for campaigns in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. This analysis goes to the very core of the American debate on "endless wars," raising critical questions about the concept of Western intervention in a region that has undergone profound transformations due to the Arab Spring and subsequent uprisings.

In the current context, where the United States aims to reduce its presence in the region, Europe recognizes the need to increase its involvement. Regardless of their specific motivations, both countries must adapt to an increasingly fragmented Middle East, influenced by the assertive foreign policies of China, Russia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

The book highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries that have shaped the region's geopolitical landscape. It examines the role of the United States and European countries in promoting stability, fostering democracy, and addressing regional conflicts. It also explores the challenges they face in navigating the complex dynamics of power dynamics, sectarianism, and regional rivalries.

Through its detailed case studies and practitioner testimonies, the book provides valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by the United States and European countries in their interventions. It sheds light on the successes and failures of their efforts to promote stability, democracy, and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa.

A Vanishing West in the Middle East serves as a timely and important contribution to the ongoing debate about Western intervention in the region. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the past, present, and future of Western engagement in the Middle East and North Africa, providing a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of this critical region.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755644315