The book titled “The Middle East in International Relations: Power, Politics and Ideology” written by Fred Halliday provides a useful overview of the major approaches to explaining the region’s international relations. For example, “The Realist Approach to International Relations in the Middle East” provides a comprehensive overview of the realist perspective, focusing on state power, security, and the competitive nature of states. It also discusses the limitations of realism, particularly in understanding ideologies and domestic issues. The historical-narrative approach is less scientific, but offers valuable information about the formation and interactions of the region. Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) challenges the state-centric view by highlighting the complexity of foreign policy, which is influenced by various internal and external factors. The role of ideology and values in the formulation of foreign policy discussed in constructivism is highlighted, as well as the challenges in analyzing ideology and avoiding essentialism. Historical sociology provides a framework for understanding international relations in the Middle East, with an emphasis on the historical formation of states and their interactions with society. However, there is a risk of generalizing and oversimplifying the region’s complexity.
He argued that the concept of the modern state in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is influenced by historical processes, external pressures and global changes. These modern states differ significantly from their pre-modern counterparts in terms of power and control over territory, economy, society and culture. While some countries in the region seek to portray themselves as heirs to earlier state traditions, the reality of modern state formation is shaped by internal and external dynamics rather than historical or religious heritage. Colonialism played an important role in transforming institutions and identities in countries such as Egypt and Morocco. Additionally, access to resources such as oil has influenced the formation and nature of modern states, allowing some countries to consolidate their power at home and abroad. It discusses the impact of the Cold War on the Middle East and traces its phases from the initial Soviet-Western rivalry to the final transition near the end of the Cold War rivalry. It highlights how the Cold War influenced the political development of countries such as Iran and the Middle East. Turkey, which led to complicated relations with the United States, the USSR and their regional neighbors. In addition, he examined the Arab-Israeli conflict, the rise of Arab nationalism under leaders such as Jamal Abdel Nasser, and the aftermath of the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Discusses the post-Cold War period and examines the de-escalation and normalization of relations with Egypt and the challenges facing the Persian Gulf region.
The book also provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of modernity, particularly European modernity, on the Middle East’s economic, social, and political development. He traces this influence to the 19th century and emphasizes how European control over trade and tariffs, as well as the establishment of European settlers in countries such as Algeria and Egypt, transformed Middle Eastern societies. He also examines the role of oil in the region’s economy, discussing its discovery, production, and economic transformation. Additionally, it explores how oil wealth led to the emergence of “rentier” states dependent on oil income, as well as the political reactions and disputes over ownership that it provoked. Additionally, the book examines the role of the state in the Middle East’s economy, highlighting how oil revenues consolidate the power of ruling elites and hinder broader economic development. It also examines the impact of external interventions such as economic aid and sanctions on the region’s political economy.
While book provides comprehensive analysis of events in Middle east, it failed to delve into the complexities of political structures in member states. Historically, the region has been influenced by various empires, caliphates, and colonial powers, leading to diverse forms of governance and territorial control. Additionally, the Middle East’s regional order has been shaped by factors such as sectarianism, tribalism, and ethnic divisions, which have led to internal conflicts and challenges to state authority. These factors have contributed to a regional order that is less stable and more prone to violence and instability compared to the European Westphalian international order. Resultantly, it didn’t provide comprehensive overview of failure of Westphalia system in Middle East. Additionally, understanding Iran’s nuclear program and its broader implications for the region, including support for transnational groups and its impact on the GCC’s relations with Israel, is crucial to a comprehensive analysis of international relations in the Middle East. While it provides the role of Iran in cold war and its strained relations with the west, a closer look at these aspects would provide a more complete picture of the region’s complexity.
Top of FormFurthermore, regarding the role of oil, the book may overstate its importance in shaping the region’s political economy. While oil has certainly been a significant factor in the economic development and political dynamics of the Middle East, it is not the sole determinant of the region’s politics. Other factors, such as historical legacies, ideological movements, and geopolitical rivalries, also play important roles in shaping the region’s regional order and international relations.