The concepts and theories of what constitutes a 'Middle Power' have played a key part in explaining the identity, behaviour and foreign policy roles of many states in the international system, including the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Brazil. But, with a few exceptions, these frameworks have failed to travel to scholarship on the Middle East, despite the theoretical and empirical potential that they offer for understanding regional dynamics. The first of its kind, this volume addresses that major gap by interrogating the conceptual, theoretical and empirical underpinnings of the concept of 'Middle Power' at a regional level. Composed of nine chapters, 'Unfulfilled Aspirations' offers the conceptual and theoretical tools to examine 'Middle Powerhood' in the Middle East, as well as insightful empirical analyses of both 'traditional' Middle Powers in the region (Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Algeria) and new, aspiring ones (Qatar, the UAE). The contributors reveal that the Middle Powers of the Middle East have failed, despite their best efforts, to fulfill their regional aspirations.

About the Author
Adham Saouli is Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of St Andrews, focusing on the genesis, development and behaviour of Middle Eastern political actors. He is the author of 'Hezbollah: Socialisation and its Tragic Ironies'; and 'The Arab State: Dilemmas of Late Formation'.

Reviews

'The greatest strength of [Unfulfilled Aspirations] is its clear and in-depth conjunction of theory and case-studies. Saouli's edited volume is a timely study of an important subject for Middle East studies.'

-- International Affairs



Book Information
ISBN 9781787383197
Author Adham Saouli
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Publisher C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd