Publication date:
24 November 2018Length of book:
216 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781538117880
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.
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.