Altered States: The Remaking of the Political in the Arab World

Altered States examines the state in the Arab world through the lens of practices,regimes of truth,and capabilities of power,and the effects they have on those under their control. It explores the roots of policies that led to the uprisings and assesses how boundaries between state and society have been redrawn.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Building upon Timothy Mitchell's groundbreaking 1991 examination of the boundaries of the state, this comprehensive edited volume brings together a diverse range of contributions on the state in the Arab world across different eras. Altered States offers a fresh perspective on the state, viewing it not merely as a collection of people and institutions but as a complex amalgamation of practices, regimes of truth, and power capabilities. By delving into case studies encompassing Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, the United Arab Emirates, Rojava, and the Islamic State, the book explores and challenges the concept of the state. It examines the origins of policies that fueled the uprisings, particularly focusing on how the authoritarian bargain, which had long defined Arab politics, unraveled with the rise of neoliberalism. Moreover, it assesses how boundaries between the state and society have been redrawn, as various dynamics have brought state forces into more open conflict with citizens and each other.

Given the rapid pace of change in the Arab world, it is essential to continuously adapt and refine the themes and analytical frameworks employed in studying this region. This book, therefore, holds significant appeal to practitioners, graduate students, and academics specializing in the Arab world, statehood, and political science. Its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics shaping the region's political landscape.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032134093