The Arab State

by Giacomo Luciani (Editor)

In its analysis of the process of state formation, this essay collection breaks new ground. Scholars from the Arab countries, Europe, and the United States present historical, economic, philosophical, and sociological perspectives on the Arab states today and offer new paradigms for understanding the region.
These sixteen essays examine the roots of the contemporary Arab state system, the durability of that system, and the impact of its economic bases on its strengths and weaknesses. The influence of the various social classes and of key social groupings such as the military is also shown, and dispassionate, non-ideological views on the question of Arab integration are presented.
This timely collection, interdisciplinary in its approach, brings new and insightful material to the area of Middle Eastern studies. It will be important reading for those seeking an understanding of this rapidly changing area, as well as for students of comparative political systems.

454 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Scientific Advisor for the Master in International Energy at PSIA, Giacomo Luciani is also Adjunct Professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva and Director of the Executive Master in International Oil and Gas Leadership. For the period 2010-13 he was appointed Princeton University Global Scholar, attached to the Woodrow Wilson School and the Department of Near Eastern Studies, The Institute for the Transregional Study of the Contemporary Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. His research focuses on the political economy of the Middle East and North Africa and on global energy issues.