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Arab Elites: Negotiating the Politics of Change

Volker Perthes, editor
Arab Elites: Negotiating the Politics of Change
ISBN: 978-1-58826-266-0
$62.00
2004/344 pages/LC: 2004003803

"Provides a rare window into the shrouded arena of elite politics across the Arab world. [An] invaluable volume. "—Sean L. Yom, Arab Studies Journal

"Offers a good insight into current developments in elite change of the Arab world.... This book could become a cornerstone for further research."—Barbara Litzlbeck, Mediterranean Politics

"Well-written and informative.... [an] excellent book."—Choice

"This is an edited volume that does things right. The contributors work with a common vocabulary and shared concepts, and offer rich and diverse empirical observations."—Marc Lynch, Williams College

"A useful up-to-date political snapshot of all the major countries in the Arab world."—Clement Henry, University of Texas at Austin

DESCRIPTION

The recent deaths of four long-term heads of state in the Arab world heralded important changes, as political power passed from one generation to the next. Shedding light on these changes, Arab Elites explores the attitudes and political agendas of the new leadership emerging throughout the region.

A strong analytical framework informs the authors' discussion of elites in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian National Authority, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Tunisia. The result is a portrait of the current state, and likely future, of politics in the Arab Middle East.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volker Perthes is executive chairman and director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). His extensive publications on the Arab World include Geheime Gärten: die neue Arabische Welt [Secret Gardens: The New Arab World].

CONTENTS

  • Politics and Elite Change in the Arab World—V. Perthes.
  • NEW RULERS IN POWER.
  • Jordan: Between Regime Survival and Economic Reform—A. Bank and O. Schlumberger.
  • Morocco: Reconciling Continuity and Change—S. Zerhouni.
  • Syria: Difficult Inheritance—V. Perthes.
  • SUCCESSION LOOMS.
  • Egypt: Succession Politics-Gamal Abdelnasser.
  • Saudi Arabia: Dynamism Uncovered—I. Glosemeyer.
  • SYSTEM PRESERVATION AND THE COOPERATION OF NEW ELITES.
  • Algeria: System Continuity Through Elite Change—I. Werenfels.
  • Tunisia: Economic Transformation and Political Restoration—S. Erdle.
  • ELITE CHANGE UNDER DOMINATION.
  • Lebanon: Building Political Dynasties—R. el-Husseini.
  • Palestinian Territories: From State Building to Crisis Management—H.J. Rabe.
  • CONCLUSION.
  • Elite Change and System Maintenance—V. Perthes.