Civil-Military Relations in the Modern Middle East

Civil-Military Relations in the Modern Middle East examines the political and economic interactions between civilians and the armed forces in the post-World War II Middle East, focusing on four themes: military and society, political transitions, national economies, and wartime relations. It covers the greater Middle East and highlights how militaries influence national political and economic systems and how politics influences national militaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Civil-Military Relations in the Modern Middle East is a comprehensive study of the political and economic interactions between civilians and the armed forces in the post-World War II Middle East. It focuses on four key themes: the military and society, the role of the military in political transitions, the military's part in national economies, and the relations between soldiers and civilians in wartime. The book covers the greater Middle East, including the Arab States, Israel, Turkey, and Iran, and explores how militaries in these countries influence the national political and economic systems and how, in turn, politics influences the national militaries.

One of the key findings of the book is that militaries in the Middle East have a significant impact on the national political and economic systems. They are often involved in political transitions, such as the overthrow of dictatorships or the establishment of new governments. They also play a crucial role in national economies, providing employment, infrastructure, and security. However, the relationship between the military and society can be complex and contentious. In some cases, the military may be seen as a source of oppression and human rights abuses, while in others, it may be seen as a protector of the nation and a source of stability.

The book also examines the role of the military in national economies. In many Middle Eastern countries, the military is a major employer, providing jobs to millions of people. However, the military's involvement in the economy can also be problematic. For example, the military may engage in corruption, waste, and abuse of resources, which can have negative impacts on the economy and the population.

The relations between soldiers and civilians in wartime are also a significant theme of the book. In many cases, soldiers and civilians are forced to live in close proximity, and the tensions between them can be high. The book explores how these tensions can be managed and how soldiers can be trained to respect the rights and dignity of civilians.

The book also provides a historical perspective on civil-military relations in the Middle East. It traces the development of militaries in the region from the early 20th century to the present day and examines the factors that have contributed to their growth and development. It also explores the impact of regional and international events on civil-military relations, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iran-Iraq War, and the War on Terror.

One of the challenges facing civil-military relations in the Middle East is the lack of transparency and accountability. Many militaries in the region are not subject to effective oversight and regulation, and this can lead to corruption and abuse of power. The book calls for greater transparency and accountability in the military and for the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms to ensure that the military is operating in a responsible and ethical manner.

Another challenge facing civil-military relations in the Middle East is the impact of extremism and terrorism. Extremist groups often use the military as a tool to achieve their goals, and this can lead to violence and instability. The book calls for greater efforts to combat extremism and terrorism and to promote peace and stability in the region.

In conclusion, Civil-Military Relations in the Modern Middle East is a comprehensive and insightful study of the political and economic interactions between civilians and the armed forces in the post-World War II Middle East. It highlights the significant impact that militaries have on the national political and economic systems and the complex relationship between the military and society. The book provides a historical perspective on civil-military relations in the region and offers recommendations for improving transparency and accountability in the military and for combating extremism and terrorism.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 224 x 154 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538169193