| |
The West Asian states of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq have over the last few decades represented a zone of crisis. Characterised by fractured and dysfunctional political elites, fraught economic policies, and ideological struggles between the forces of authoritarianism and democratisation, neo-fundamentalism and pluralism, they embody a mosaic of ethnicities. Amin Saikal, a distinguished Afghan-born scholar of international affairs, provides a sweeping understanding of the complex contemporary political and social instability encompassing the region.
Saikal takes the reader on a journey through the history and current affairs of the four countries, highlighting how these states have been repeatedly invaded or encroached upon by one or all major powers of the last two centuries: Tsarist and Soviet Russia, Great Britain and the United States. With each seeking, often in competition with one another to redirect the domestic and foreign policy objectives and priorities of this region in accordance with their individual geopolitical and ideological preferences, the region finds itself today in a state of crisis.
Critically comparing democratisation and counter-insurgency efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, and examining Iranian developments in the context of both recent outside intervention and the history of foreign influence in the region, this book looks at how US entanglement has affected Pakistani and Iranian domestic politics and foreign affairs. How has this influenced the success or failure of the occupation in Afghanistan and Iraq? What possible solutions can be taken to ensure regional security?
Despite the critical importance of historical legacies in understanding present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, the past has often been overlooked or misunderstood by outsiders, with frequently serious consequences. An improved understanding of the region among foreign policymakers is imperative to enhancing prospects for stability and mutually beneficial international relations. Bearing this in mind, Zone of Crisis offers an informed and balanced overview of a troubled region.
This book will fascinate general readers and prove important reading for specialists.
Contents:
Chapter 1• Introduction
Chapter 2 • Afghanistan: Turbulent and on the Brink
Chapter 3 • Pakistan: Fragile and Violent
Chapter 4 • Iran: Between ‘Sovereignty of God’ and ‘Sovereignty of the People’
Chapter 5 • Iraq: Divided and Threatened
Chapter 6 • Conclusion
ISBN - 9781780763194
|
| |
Pages : 240
|