The Future of the Middle East: Faith, Force, and Finance - Hardcover
This deeply informed book considers the intertwined roles of faith, force, and finance in shaping the modern Middle East. Leading expert Monte Palmer argues that these factors will continue to have a major impact on the Middle East as the United States and other major powers increasingly find themselves embedded in conflicts that defy resolution. Palmer considers the lessons learned from past and current conflicts: the limits of using tyrants as avenues of force; the transformation of faith into force; the root causes of terror; and the perils of a global environment that threatens a new cold war between Russia and the United States, a war of religions between the Abrahamic faiths, and a war of terror that is rapidly becoming global. As he clearly shows, the relative dominance of faith, force, or finance is always shifting, depending on time, place, and local conditions. Drawing on cases from ten critical periods, from World War I through the current chaos and stalemate, the author offers constructive paths forward for building a Middle East of peace and stability.
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Review:
From the burdens of history to the despotism that afflicts the region, Monte Palmer knows the Middle East and calls it like it is. Palmer makes clear that the United States must rein in its regional allies and prevail on them to coexist peacefully with moderate Islam in order to break the chain of terror.--Hilal Khashan, American University of Beirut
Powers interested in the Middle East's natural resources have for a century exacerbated its instability to ensure a global energy hegemony. Monte Palmer explains why an intrinsically unstable region has been made even more unstable. He highlights the toxic mix of local, cultural, and revolutionary turmoil and the cynical interventions of global powers--who have chosen to do what they could, rather than what they should. His excellent analysis shows why it is essential for us to understand this crisis-riven region.--Tony Allan, SOAS London and King's College London
Monte Palmer has developed an important framework to evaluate the Middle East's complex ongoing turmoil. As he analyzes his three concepts of faith, force, and finance, he adds a fourth essential dimension--the role of major powers in the game of force. His indispensable book provides a critical assessment of the Middle East at large.--Michel Nehme, Notre Dame University Louaize
Recommended: In recent years the Middle East has dominated the news, yet many people struggle to understand the how and why. Palmer provides a concise and accessible chronological introduction, using the framework of faith, force, and finance to explain the modern Middle East. Each chapter focuses on a specific time period (starting with 1914-40 and concluding with "post-2017") and examines major events; each chapter concludes with "lessons learned," which summarizes the key points. "Faith" refers to both religious beliefs and faith in the nation or a charismatic leader, e.g., Gamal Abdel Nasser; "force" includes state force and terrorism; "finance" focuses on the ways governments and non-state actors use oil wealth, foreign aid, and other revenue to maintain power or carry out their agendas. Palmer includes the US as a prominent actor in the region, wielding its own faith, force, and finance. In order to keep the length of the book in check, Palmer limits his analysis to the major players in the region, particularly Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iraq, along with non-state actors, such as ISIS. The last chapter outlines possible solutions to reduce or eliminate terror, improve life for those living in the Middle East, and stabilize global relations.--CHOICE
About the Author:
Powers interested in the Middle East's natural resources have for a century exacerbated its instability to ensure a global energy hegemony. Monte Palmer explains why an intrinsically unstable region has been made even more unstable. He highlights the toxic mix of local, cultural, and revolutionary turmoil and the cynical interventions of global powers--who have chosen to do what they could, rather than what they should. His excellent analysis shows why it is essential for us to understand this crisis-riven region.--Tony Allan, SOAS London and King's College London
Monte Palmer has developed an important framework to evaluate the Middle East's complex ongoing turmoil. As he analyzes his three concepts of faith, force, and finance, he adds a fourth essential dimension--the role of major powers in the game of force. His indispensable book provides a critical assessment of the Middle East at large.--Michel Nehme, Notre Dame University Louaize
Recommended: In recent years the Middle East has dominated the news, yet many people struggle to understand the how and why. Palmer provides a concise and accessible chronological introduction, using the framework of faith, force, and finance to explain the modern Middle East. Each chapter focuses on a specific time period (starting with 1914-40 and concluding with "post-2017") and examines major events; each chapter concludes with "lessons learned," which summarizes the key points. "Faith" refers to both religious beliefs and faith in the nation or a charismatic leader, e.g., Gamal Abdel Nasser; "force" includes state force and terrorism; "finance" focuses on the ways governments and non-state actors use oil wealth, foreign aid, and other revenue to maintain power or carry out their agendas. Palmer includes the US as a prominent actor in the region, wielding its own faith, force, and finance. In order to keep the length of the book in check, Palmer limits his analysis to the major players in the region, particularly Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iraq, along with non-state actors, such as ISIS. The last chapter outlines possible solutions to reduce or eliminate terror, improve life for those living in the Middle East, and stabilize global relations.--CHOICE
Monte Palmer is professor emeritus of government at Florida State University, where he directed the Middle East Studies Center. He was also director of the Center for Arab and Middle Eastern Studies at the American University of Beirut from 1998 to 2000. His books include The Arab Psyche and American Frustrations, Politics in the Middle East, and Islamic Extremism: Causes, Diversity, and Challenges.
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- PublisherRowman & Littlefield
- Publication date2018
- ISBN 10 1538117886
- ISBN 13 9781538117880
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages216
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FUTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST: FAITH FORCE Format: Hardcover
Published by
Rowman and Littlefield Publishers
(2018)
ISBN 10: 1538117886
ISBN 13: 9781538117880
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The Future of the Middle East: Faith, Force, and Finance
Published by
Rowman & Littlefield
(2018)
ISBN 10: 1538117886
ISBN 13: 9781538117880
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Hardcover
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. xi, 203 pages : 24 cm. Contents: The power of faith, force, and finance -- World War I sets the stage for the modern Middle East (1914-40) -- World War II reshapes the Middle East (1940-67) -- A surge of religious extremism (1967-80) -- Religious violence unleashed (1975-90) -- The era of peace, stability, and illusion (1990-2000) -- The era of global terror and counter-terror (2000-10) -- The era of Islamic rule (2010-13) -- The old order strikes back -- Solutions to an era of stalemate (post 2017). Seller Inventory # 15jbew211
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