Bordering a New Middle East: Frontiers, weak states and the great imbalance of power

Издательство: Aspen Institute Italia

Borders are a fundamental yet tricky issue in international politics. Despite their seemingly static nature, shifting frontiers are at the heart of many historical changes, not just through war. The Middle East and North Africa are experiencing important transitions, some of a which are traumatic. In the Middle East there is a «great imbalance»: power relationships are contested and far from clear and alliances, as well as the resilience of state institutions, are tested. Such a strategic outlook is especially conductive to violent conflict. One of the transitions currently underway has to do with state borders and their practical meaning.

The chapters of the book cover (individually or in conjunction with other countries) Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf monarchies, Syria, Turkey.