Handbook of Political Science Research on the Middle East and North Africa Book

The organization leaves much to be desired and the writing style is exceedingly dry. Despite the importance of the subject, it rests on broad conclusions and assumptions about societal perceptions rather than citing evidence from the era's policymakers and their aims, which would be exceedingly useful to policymakers today. The narrative is ungrounded, jumping from decade to decade and back again, with no recall to previous passages to drive any central thesis home.

Perhaps my biggest gripe is the blatant disregard for social liberal/ democratic socialist constructs, with a rigid adherence to the "sanctity" of free markets, as if the West v East German perspective put an end to the debate between the only two available options.

If you're one of the unfortunate students forced to read this book, I highly recommend reading only the beginning sections of each chapter and part. It will be the best way to lift any kind of consistent narrative from these pages.