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Power Politics and Policy Making in the Contemporary Middle East: A Comprehensive Guide

Charles Bukowski

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Published in The United Arab Emirates: Power Politics And Policy Making (The Contemporary Middle East)

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The Middle East, a region steeped in history and complexity, has long been a focal point of global attention. In recent decades, the region has witnessed profound transformations, from the Arab Spring uprisings to the rise of non-state actors and the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen. These events have had a significant impact on the power dynamics and policy making processes within the Middle East, making it more critical than ever to understand the intricate interplay between power, politics, and decision-making in this volatile region.

The Middle East is a diverse region characterized by a wide range of political systems, ideologies, and power structures. Key players in the region include:

Saudi Arabia: The largest and wealthiest monarchy in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a major oil exporter and wields significant influence in regional affairs.
Iran: A powerful Shiite-majority state, Iran is a regional rival to Saudi Arabia and has been pursuing an assertive foreign policy in recent years.
Turkey: A predominantly Muslim country with strong ties to both Europe and the Middle East, Turkey has been playing an increasingly active role in regional conflicts.

Hezbollah: A Lebanese Shia militant group with close ties to Iran, Hezbollah has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other Western countries.
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS): A Sunni extremist group that emerged during the Syrian civil war, ISIS has been responsible for widespread violence and human rights abuses.
Al-Qaeda: A global terrorist organization that has carried out attacks in the Middle East and beyond.

The Middle East is a region characterized by complex and often volatile relationships between its constituent states. Key dynamics include:

The United Arab Emirates: Power, Politics and Policy-Making (The Contemporary Middle East)

by Emily Clark

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3322 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages

Sectarian divisions, particularly between Sunnis and Shiites, have been a major source of conflict in the Middle East. Competition for power and resources has further exacerbated sectarian tensions.

The Middle East has been a battleground for geopolitical competition between regional and global powers. Saudi Arabia and Iran, for instance, are engaged in a proxy war for influence in Yemen.

The Middle East is plagued by a range of security challenges, including terrorism, civil wars, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These challenges have posed significant obstacles to stability and development in the region.

Policy makers in the Middle East are faced with a daunting array of challenges, including:

Many Middle Eastern countries rely heavily on oil exports, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Diversifying economies and promoting sustainable development are key challenges for the region.

Demands for political reforms and greater representation have been a recurring theme in the Middle East. However, authoritarian regimes in many countries have resisted such reforms.

Protracted conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Syrian civil war have created humanitarian crises and destabilized the region. Finding lasting solutions to these conflicts is a major policy challenge.

Power politics and policy making in the contemporary Middle East are shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors. Understanding the key players, regional dynamics, and policy challenges is essential for navigating the intricate landscape of this volatile region. As the Middle East continues to be a major focal point for global attention, it is more important than ever to foster dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful resolutions to the many challenges it faces.

The United Arab Emirates: Power, Politics and Policy-Making (The Contemporary Middle East)

by Emily Clark

4.7 out of 5