This book examines Arab identity in the contemporary Middle East, and explains why that identity has been maintained alongside state and religious identities over the last 40 years. Despite the suggestions of many commentators it is clear that Arab identity has not faded away but has instead evolved to have meaning alongside, not in opposition to, state and religious ties. Drawing on case studies of two ideologically different Arab regimes - Syria and Jordan - Christopher Phillips explores both the implications this will have on western policy towards the Middle East and its real life impact on international relations. His analysis focuses on three interrelated themes and questions: - what does Arabism mean today? - why do these states maintain Arab identity and how does it interact with state identity? - what mechanisms and processes are used to produced and reproduce Arab and state identity?
Offering an original perspective on this topical issue, this book will be of interest to academics and practitioners working on the Arab world and political affairs, as well as students of International Relations, Political Science and the Middle East, notably Syria and Jordan, and policymakers in the region.