"United States Foreign Policy in the Middle East: The Historical Roots of Neo-Conservatism" argues that the intellectual and historical origins of Neo-Conservatism can be traced back to the Greco-Persian wars. It contends that neo-Conservatism itself is a deeply flawed world view which, when combined with pressure from interest groups, has led to major American foreign policy mistakes.
The book examines topics such as how American foreign policy is discussed in academic texts, the legacy of the Crusades, and behavioralist versus traditionalist approaches to foreign policy. It then asserts that current academic training produces advisors and analysts who are largely ignorant of Middle Eastern history, cultures, and traditions.
Finally, the book finds a direct link between foreign policy, the American government's need to maintain an "empire," and the growth of income inequality and lack of social progress domestically.
"United States Foreign Policy in the Middle East" is an excellent supplemental reader to standard textbooks in international relations and comparative or American government. It is also a good choice for lay readers interested in the Middle East and American foreign policy.
Farrokh Moshiri is an associate faculty in political science at several California colleges and has taught management classes at The University of California and California State University. He is the author and editor of several publications including "State and Social Revolution in Iran: A Theoretical Perspective, Revolutions of the Late Twentieth Century" (co-authored and co-edited with Ted Gurr and Jack Goldstone), and the editor of "Management Communications: An Anthology."
"A unique and interesting lens to the historical roots of Neo-Conservatism. Professor Moshiri argues that the roots of Clash of Civilizations, Orientalism, and Neo-conservatism goes back to the ancient Greek tragedy Persae and the Greco-Persian Wars in the fifth century BC. An excellent and intriguing read for the general public and non-political scientist, as well as those interested in Middle East politics and U.S. foreign policy."
Erik Rolland, Ph.D., Professor of Management, University of California
"This is a provocative and stimulating analysis of American foreign policy toward Iran. It provides a critical framework for analyzing American foreign policy toward the Middle East during the last three decades. "
Ray Maghroori, Ph.D., co-author, Roots of Failure: United States Policy in the Third World