Book Summaries
An Introduction to Middle East Politics Summary (7.3/10)
In *An Introduction to Middle East Politics*, Benjamin McQueen provides a brief history of the Middle East, focusing on its relationship with the West, and how this relationship has changed, and in other ways has stayed the same, from the time of the Ottomans until present day.
In An Introduction to Middle East Politics, Benjamin McQueen provides a brief history of the Middle East, focusing on its relationship with the West, and how this relationship has changed, and in other ways has stayed the same, from the time of the Ottomans until present day.
With this historical context, the Arab uprisings that started in 2010 in Tunisia are seen not as random events, but as the culmination of long periods of frustration from corrupt governments and closed political systems and their pathological relationship with the US, Europe, and each other.
Chapter 1: The Ottoman Empire
The Middle East is the birthplace of three monotheistic faiths of Judaism (2000 BCE), Christianity (1st Century AD), and Islam (7th century CE).
Chapter 2: The Colonial Period in the Middle East
The French established protectorates across North Africa but they were not all of the same kind.
Chapter 3: The Cold War
The decades after World War 2 were critical in shaping the Middle East’s political structures. After the war began, demand for oil increased – the Middle East became more valuable, as a supplier of oil, and as a strategic location.
Chapter 4: Islamism and Nationalism
Political ideology, a consistent set of ideas and visions for how society should work, is a modern phenomenon born out of the French revolution.
Chapter 5: Israel, the Palestinians, and the Peace Process
Both sides claim to fight for their identity and for their rights. The Israelis have been fighting for their self-defense, while the Palestinians have been fighting for their right to self-determination.
Chapter 6: Oil, Economy, and Development
The economics of the Middle East is a mixed picture. Some oil producing countries have seen rapid economic growth, while others like Israel, Turkey, and Tunisia have relied on strong service sectors. But inflation, unemployment, and corruption continue to undercut economic potential in the region.
Chapter 7: The Military, Security, and Politics
In recent years, The US, UK, France, China, North Korea, and Russia have been trying to publicize their nuclear threshold, but Israel have denied being the first state in the Middle East to possess nuclear capabilities despite evidence to the contrary.
Chapter 8: Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism can be defined as a small group of individuals who control the state with little popular interference or oversight, in contrast to democracies.
Chapter 9: Democratization and the Uprisings
The Arab Spring was the move towards democratization, away from authoritarianism. Since 2011, uprisings have occurred across the entire region, but the results have been mixed.
Chapter 10: US Military Intervention
The build up of tension between the US and Iraq lead to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The US developed a moral argument for the invasion on the grounds that Iraq was a threat to global security.
Chapter 11: The Syrian Conflict
The Syrian uprisings started in 2011 and led to civil war that continues until today in 2019, and has been the cause of one of the worst humanitarian disasters of the century.
YARPP List
Related posts:
- Ch 1: A Foreign Country (The Better Angels of Our Nature)
- Ch. 8: Inner Demons (The Better Angels of Our Nature)
- The Better Angels of our Nature Summary (8/10)
- Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World Summary (9/10)
Keep Reading
Related Articles
Book Summaries
Part 2: Choose the Right Target (The Art of Seduction)
> It is not the quality of the desired object that gives us pleasure, but rather the energy of our appetites.—CHARLES BAUDELAIRE, THE END OF DON JUAN Don’t waste your time chasing after someone who is too difficult to be seduced, but don’t go for easy targets either.
Book Summaries
The Problem of Evil (Dominion)
For the Jews, who were humiliated by conquerors, a problem was raised. If God was good, why would he allow such things to happen? Jewish scholars arrived at a somber explanation: the entire history of humanity was one of disobedience to God.
Book Summaries
A Summary of Genome by Matt Ridley (8/10)
In his book Genome, author Matt Ridley examines the science and genetics of life. He takes readers through the evolutionary journey of our species, delving into the history, technology, and implications of genetic engineering.
Book Summaries
Availability Heuristic (WYSIATI)
WYSIATI is an acronym for What You See Is All There Is, and it is linked to of 3 cognitive biases. 1. Overconfidence: Rhetoric > Quality of Evidence 2. Framing Effects: 90% Fat 3. Base Rate Neglect: Steve is a meek and tidy soul (therefore, he is a librarian, not a farmer).