Reading Response #4 – Government and Politics of MENA Chapter 1

Allison Brown Government and Politics of the Middle East Eric Nigh February 14, 2022 Reading Response #4 – Government and Politics of MENA Chapter 1 In the textbook, “The Government and politics of the Middle East and North Africa” author Gasioro Yom starts with an introductory chapter to orientate readers to the book. Yom starts the introduction with a paragraph looking at the history of MENA as a whole, from “bloody civil wars” to “opulent oil wealth and persistent rural poverty.” (1) The author also alludes to stereotypes about MENA, such as Aladdin the Disney movie, but also, the depiction of Middle Easterners (more strongly) post 9/11 as terrorists in television shows and movies. With a map, the textbook first defines the region and discuss the different geographical and population counts. Moving into the regional history section, Yom concisely discusses the history of the region as a whole through the first caliphates to post-WWI to the Arab Uprisings and the present (2017) day. Yom briefly addresses ethnic and religious composition before moving into describing the democratic countries, autocratic regimes, and monarchies. The textbook then breaks down the economy of a region as a whole, different economies for specific states, and the roles oil and foreign aid played in developing economies, or worsening. Moving into the social conditions of MENA, Yom discusses human security, youth populations/activism, and gender. In the conclusion, Yom concludes the following about the regional but separate studies of MENA, “Each country in the region is distinctive in its own right, but common religious ties, geographic linkages, and historical legacies all characterize these states as uniquely Middle Eastern.” (41) Yom also concludes with a reference to the unique future, but lessons of the past when studying the region, “Patterns of contrast and comparison will become visible, revealing the diversity and complexity of the modern Middle East.” (41) Yom’s choice to use the word “modern” sets the expectation for readers the textbook will briefly examine the histories of different countries, but more so focus on their current existence and the modern state. Starting with a map of the Middle East and North Africa, it’s clear the purpose of this textbook is to educate and orientate new learners in the field of Middle Eastern and Northern African studies. Although you can find a map in a higher level book, Yom’s choice to place it at the start of the first chapter (instead of at the end or in an addendum) seemingly indicates readers of the textbook are new to the field. Examining the authors and contributors, the book is edited by Gasioro Yom and Mark Gasiorowski, both prominent scholars in the field. The back of the textbook includes a list of all contributors. Yom and Gasiorowski sought out experts for each of the countries the textbook focuses on. This decision, shows an interest which reaffirms the concluding paragraph of the Introduction, valuing each country in the region as unique, and seeking out specialists for each of the different chapters. The introduction and the authors’/editors’ decision to focus on social issues stands out to readers. In the coming chapters, by considering both each country’s economic, political, and regional history alongside human security, youth, and gender Allison Brown Government and Politics of the Middle East Eric Nigh February 14, 2022 will lead to a balance in which the reader will understand both important elements of studying a country.