Arab Nationalism: A History: Nation and State in t he Arab World

This concise survey looks at Arab nationalism both as an historical movement and as a doctrine. It guides readers new to the subject through the diverse scholarly views about its origins, nature, and intellectual significance.

The book identifies characteristics of Arab nationalism in the region in recent years, setting them in the context of political, economic, religious and cultural change throughout the Middle East. The author describes four distinct phases in the evolution of Arab nationalist ideas - the cultural, the political, the social and the fourth or current phase, in which both nationalism and democracy have resurfaced in a fresh encounter. He uses these stages as a basis for the discussion of ideology within an historical framework.

Students will appreciate the inclusion of study aids such as a list of dynastic chronologies, biographical entries on key figures, a glossary of unfamiliar terms and a guide to further reading.