Perseus Academic: Interpreting the Middle East by David S. Sorenson

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• Title Postcard:
  Interpreting the Middle East
• Subject Postcard:
  Middle East Studies WV Fall 12

Contemporary approaches to comparative studies of the Middle East increasingly recognize how globalization and regional mass communication have blurred differences across countries. Populations travel across national borders and compare narratives about political change, economic futures, and the role of the outside world in shaping their lives. Organized by five principal themes of a regional overview, politics, political economy, social contexts, and the international dimensions of Middle East issues, Interpreting the Middle East provides a vibrant introduction to the Middle East that is compatible with this regionalist perspective. Invited authorities contribute insightful and accessible original discussions of headline-fresh issues, including the aftermath of the Iraq war, Iran’s regional ambitions, developments in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the global politics of Middle East oil, as well as the Islamic awakening, conflict in the Western Sahara, civil–military relations, economic development, political change, and gender understandings. Section introductions by the editor integrate the contributions, and a glossary, biographical list of key persons, and chronology of significant events provide helpful guidance for readers.

Dr. David S. Sorenson is professor of national security studies at the US Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Professor Sorenson formerly served on the faculties of Denison University and the University of Colorado at Denver, and was a fellow at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Ohio State University. The author or editor of numerous works on Middle East politics, defense budget politics, and national security affairs, Professor Sorenson has also served as Chair of the International Security Studies Section of the International Studies Association, and Chair of the International Security and Arms Control Section of the American Political Science Association.