This study focuses on the peculiarities — paradoxes even — of today’s modernization trends in nations and societies in the Middle East, particularly how modernization co-exists, confl icts, and, at times, intertwines with deep-rooted cultural traditions. This work lays out a detailed and multifaceted study of the theoretical frameworks applied to deconstruct the ambivalent and controversial processes of modernization in Middle East. It also analyzes the general trends of political and economic development in the region, while considering such individual cases as Turkey, Israel, Iran, the Gulf monarchies, Egypt, Syria, Algeria, and Afghanistan. The authors have paid special attention to the historic trajectories shaping modern nations in the Middle East, along with sociocultural and economic factors they currently face, in addition to potential and looming challenges to their future development.

The book will be valuable for experts of the Middle East, as well as anyone who takes an interest in international relations and sociopolitical development. Possessing signifi cant theoretical and practical value, this work will become a useful asset for students and postgraduates.