Informal Politics in the Middle East

The culture of politics in the Middle East is influenced by state and society interactions, mediated by political institutions. Civil action, whether challenging or working with the state, can achieve tangible results for specific groups and the state. Authorities often overlook informal organizing, as it allows certain social groups to survive and reduces their demand for state support. This leads to politicized groups and associations, challenging the traditional understanding of politics in the region.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 29 July 2021
\n Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
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The intricate interplay between the state and society shapes the political culture within any governance system. This dynamic is further influenced by the presence and role of political institutions, both formal and informal, in mediating these interactions. This volume explores two significant forms of informal political engagement in the Middle East: civil action that collaborates with the state apparatus and civil action that poses a challenge to the state's authority.

In both cases, these activities have the potential to yield tangible outcomes for specific groups of individuals as well as for the state itself. For many, engaging in informal politics and civil mobilization is a necessity rather than a choice, as it serves as a means to secure social security through collective reciprocity and everyday activism.

Ironically, Middle Eastern authorities often overlook informal organizing, as self-help schemes enable certain social groups to survive, dampening their inclination to demand support from or challenge the state. This suppression of political action and dissent creates an environment where individuals are discouraged from engaging politically, yet simultaneously encouraged to pursue personal improvement, often leading to the formation of politicized groups and associations.

By delving into the analysis of these formations, the contributors shed light on the complex realm of informal politics in the Middle East, highlighting its significance in shaping the region's political landscape.

\n Weight: 380g\n
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781787384828\n \n