This collection of essays by leading academics focuses on the participation of Arab states in neo-liberal globalization. The effects of the restructuring of traditional state power engendered by globalization are analyzed separately, through updated empirical research in the political, economic, and security processes of each country considered. Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia are the case studies selected to represent different paths toward a shared model of “new” Arab state which, far from representing an exceptional case of resilience against global trends, may be seen in many instances as typifying their effects. This book thus offers both an overall conceptualization of change affecting the Arab states, domestically and in their relations with the international system, and a series of in-depth case studies by country and functional areas. Contributors: Paul Aarts, Karen Aggestam, Issandr El Amrani, Joel Beinin, Myriam Catusse, Philippe Droz-Vincent, Joris van Duijne, Steffen Hertog, Karam Karam, Charbel Nahas, Tim Niblock, Maria Cristina Paciello, Elizabeth Picard, Helena Lindholm Schulz, Ulrich Wurzel.

Laura Guazzone is professor of the contemporary history of the Arab countries at La Sapienza University of Rome. Daniela Pioppi is senior research fellow at the Italian Institute of International Affairs.