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: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
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 repression of dissent, and the use of military force. 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, with politics increasingly influencing the legal framework and law being used to justify political decisions. They explore how this has led to the erosion of democratic norms and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

The book also examines the impact of the state of exception on society. It explores how individuals and communities have been affected by the suspension of civil liberties, the repression of dissent, and the use of military force. The authors argue that the state of exception has created a climate of fear and insecurity, which has hindered social and economic development in the region.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of the Middle East. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the application of Giorgio Agamben's work to the post-Arab Uprisings, providing a rich understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped the region. By exploring the concept of the state of exception through a multidisciplinary approach, the authors offer a unique set of perspectives that challenge traditional understandings of politics and law. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers alike.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755642557