The Struggle for Supremacy in the Middle East

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'Challenging simplistic accounts of the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Mabon highlights the multi-layered nature of the competition and offers a systematic account of its impact across the region. With flowing prose, personal accounts and conceptual engagement with theory, Mabon presents a thoughtful, nuanced must-read for anyone trying to make sense of the Middle East.' Shahram Akbarzadeh, Deakin University 'This is a valuable addition to the analysis of the Saudi-Iranian rift, reminding us of how complex it really is. Policymakers would do well to absorb the detailed look at the impact of the rivalry on neighbouring states to appreciate fully the nuances necessary to shape the parameters of any future resolution. Thought-provoking and well-informed.' Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Former U.K. Minister for the Middle East 'This book brings a fresh perspective to the competition which has structured so much of Middle Eastern regional politics over the last few decades. Applying novel theoretical insights and a wealth of empirical evidence, Mabon moves beyond a simplistic analysis of sectarianism to show how the rivalry interacts across levels of analysis in ways which give deeper social meanings to geopolitical competition.' Marc Lynch, The George Washington University 'Rejecting reductive 'proxy war' analyses, this book deftly illustrates how Iran and Saudi Arabia pursue rival visions of political order by building material and normative relationships with local actors, organizations, and groups. Mabon's account recognizes the mutuality of these relationships and offers readers essential insight into conflict dynamics in the MENA region.' Stacey Philbrick Yadav, Hobart and William Smith Colleges 'Recommended.' P. Clawson, Choice 'The book emphasizes the importance of the struggle around aesthetic ideology in shaping the country's state, society, and culture over the last half-century. The book is the winner of the 2022 Syrian Studies Association Best Book Prize. For readers who are interested in the intersection between culture and politics in the context of Syria and the Middle East, this book is a must-read.' Chaoqun Lian, China International Strategy Review '[A] valuable contribution to the literature about Saudi-Iranian rivalry and sectarian politics in several Arab states.' Gregory Aftandilian, Middle East Journal