Wither the Arab World?

In: Social justice: a journal of crime, conflict and world order, Band 23, S. 184-202

Abstract

The contemporary Arab world shares a common language, religion, culture, & history, yet elements of cultural differentiation seem to be nearly as important. Moreover, deep cultural interchanges between Arabs & their neighbors make it difficult to physically define the frontiers of the Arab world. Until recently, it has even been difficult to differentiate between regions & countries, although such differentiation does help explain the divergent paths being followed by various Arab states. In assessing the Arab future, issues of national identity, postcolonization, & globalization are analyzed. Alternatives to the current Western protectorate over the Gulf -- autonomous development, democratization, & regional integration -- are also considered. 24 References. M. Maguire