States of Exception or Exceptional States: Law, Politics and Giorgio Agamben in the Middle East

This book explores the application of Giorgio Agamben's ideas to the post-Arab Uprisings in the Middle East, considering the evolution of regime-society relations and the misuse of executive powers. It offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the state of exception and the regulation of life in the region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the profound implications of the philosopher Giorgio Agamben's work in the context of the post-Arab Uprisings in the Middle East. By examining the evolution of regime-society relations, which ultimately culminated in the outbreak of violence in the early months of 2011, the book sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped the region. Agamben's concepts of the state of exception and bare life offer invaluable intellectual tools for understanding the nature of sovereignty and the regulation of life, which have been notably absent in previous studies of the Middle East.

To address this theoretical and empirical gap, Simon Mabon, Sanaa Alsarghali, and a diverse group of contributors from the fields of political science, law, and philosophy have collaborated to offer a unique set of perspectives. Through a multidisciplinary approach, they explore the concept of the 'state of exception' and analyze how politics and law converge to facilitate the misuse of executive powers.

The book begins by providing a comprehensive overview of Agamben's ideas, highlighting their relevance to the post-Arab Uprisings. It then delves into the historical and political context of the region, examining the factors that contributed to the emergence of authoritarian regimes and the subsequent challenges faced by societies.

The authors argue that the state of exception has become a defining feature of contemporary politics, particularly in the context of the Middle East. They explore how governments have used this concept to justify extraordinary measures, such as the suspension of civil liberties, the curtailment of political opposition, and the use of force against civilians. The book also examines the role of law in legitimizing these practices, highlighting the ways in which legal frameworks can be manipulated to serve political ends.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between politics and law. The authors argue that the distinction between the two has become blurred in the context of the state of exception, as governments have increasingly used legal frameworks to justify their actions. They explore how legal norms and institutions can be subverted to serve political interests, and how the rule of law can be undermined by the abuse of executive powers.

The book also examines the impact of the state of exception on society. It explores how the suspension of civil liberties and the curtailment of political opposition can lead to a sense of insecurity and social unrest. The authors argue that the state of exception can create a culture of fear and repression, which can have long-term consequences for the stability and development of the region.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of the Middle East and the broader field of political theory. It offers a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the state of exception and its implications for sovereignty, the regulation of life, and the relationship between politics and law. By exploring these themes through a multidisciplinary approach, the book provides a unique set of perspectives that will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists alike.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755626427