The Contemporary Middle East: Foreign Intervention and Authoritarian Governance Since 1979

The book provides a balanced historical narrative of the contemporary causes of conflict in the Middle East, focusing on foreign intervention, authoritarian governance, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It offers valuable insights into the region's ongoing geopolitical disorder and is an excellent resource for undergraduate courses in history and political science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

The Middle East has experienced a turbulent and complex history in recent decades, marked by a series of conflicts and political upheavals. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced historical narrative of the contemporary causes of conflict in the region, with a particular focus on the role of foreign intervention and authoritarian governance.

Since 1979, the Middle East has been plagued by a series of foreign political and military interventions, which have contributed to the region's sustained turbulence. These interventions have been driven by a range of factors, including Cold War rivalry, American unipolarity, and the pursuit of regional influence by major powers.

One of the most significant factors contributing to the region's instability has been the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The conflict has its roots in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, which resulted in the displacement of millions of Palestinians and the creation of a refugee crisis. The conflict has continued to simmer over the years, with both sides engaged in a series of military conflicts and political negotiations.

Failed authoritarian governance has also played a significant role in the region's conflicts. Many Middle Eastern countries have been ruled by authoritarian regimes for decades, with limited political freedoms and human rights abuses. These regimes have often been unable to address the social and economic grievances of their populations, leading to popular uprisings and protests.

The Arab Spring, which erupted in 2011, was a series of popular uprisings and protests that swept across several Middle Eastern countries, including Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen. The uprisings were driven by a range of factors, including economic inequality, political repression, and the desire for greater political freedom and human rights.

The uprisings led to the overthrow of several authoritarian regimes, including Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, and Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia. However, the transition to democracy in these countries has been challenging, and the region remains plagued by political instability, sectarian violence, and economic challenges.

In recent years, the Middle East has also been affected by the rise of Islamist opposition movements. These movements have gained significant support in several countries, including Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, and have challenged the authoritarian regimes in these countries. The rise of Islamist movements has been driven by a range of factors, including the failure of secular governments to address the social and economic grievances of their populations, and the appeal of Islamist ideology to those seeking political change.

The rise of Islamist movements has also contributed to the region's sectarian violence. Many Islamist movements are divided along sectarian lines, with Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims often vying for power and influence. This sectarian divide has contributed to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, where Sunni and Shia Muslims have been fighting for control of the country.

Counter-revolutionary forces have also resorted to political repression, sectarian division, and regional conflict in an attempt to maintain their power and control over the region. These forces have often been supported by major powers, such as the United States and Russia, who have sought to influence the region's political and economic outcomes.

In conclusion, the recent history of the Middle East has been marked by a series of conflicts and political upheavals, which have been driven by a range of factors, including foreign intervention, failed authoritarian governance, and the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The region remains plagued by political instability, sectarian violence, and economic challenges, and the underlying causes of these conflicts are complex and multifaceted. It is essential to understand these causes in order to develop effective strategies for promoting peace and stability in the region.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781118736296