Negotiating Change: The New Politics of the Middle East

by Jeremy Jones and Jeremy Jones

The Middle East is frequently portrayed as a collection of stubbornly authoritarian states, whose behaviour can only be changed by the table-thumping or even the military intervention of the US government. But as Jeremy Jones uncovers in this fascinating book, the region is in fact engaged in a profound and tumultuous process of political change. The movements seeking democracy and reform that have emerged are rooted in local cultures and political...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1845112709
• ISBN13: 9781845112707
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris & Company
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Understanding Middle Eastern Democracy

I had the opportunity to see the author speak on this book. He provides an excellent overview of the varying stages of democracy in the middle east. You might be surprised as to the progress of democratization in many countries. Iran is painted as a country which has the most cultural context for progressive thinking in the Middle East. The nuances of the Iranian tradition of Quranic interpretation are drawn out - and this should give hope to the West that Iran is not a lost, radical cause. My one complaint is that the author can be a bit apologetic at times, but overall this should be mandatory reading for those looking for a way forward in the region.

Unusually insightful overview of the Middle East today

This well written study offers an unusually insightful and lucid overview of the Middle East today. It clearly reflects many years of association with the region, as well as deep and thoughtful research into the major issues shaping its politics today. Jones is one of the rare Western writers to, for instance, see the "Dubai bubble" theory for the absurd myth it is. Moreover, his well thought through views on the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas will, I suspect, prove prophetic in the years to come. This book should be prescribed reading for world leaders responsible for shaping foreign policy, especially those in the USA. As one living and working in the region, I recommend it highly.