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"The volume edited by Mark Tessler addresses a set of critical issues confronting all social scientists whose field of inquiry is extra-American.... Tessler and his contributors succeed admirably in their goal." -- American Historical Review

How should scholars construct knowledge about politics, economics, and international relations in major world regions? According to the contributors to this lively volume, the conflicting approaches of regional specialists and discipline-oriented social scientists must be combined to provide a firm foundation for studying the contemporary politics of the Middle East. Contributors are Lisa Anderson, Anne Banda, Laurie A. Brand, Laura Zittrain Eisenberg, John P. Entelis, Clement M. Henry, Magda Kandil, Baghat Korany, Jodi Nachtwey, Augustus Richard Norton, and Mark Tessler.

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Looking for balance between social science and area studies
The longstanding debate in the study of Middle East politics Area Studies and Social Science has divided schorlas in two general camps. Thos upporting the political economy approach (and its variations, i.e. State focused studies) such as James Waterbury, Roger Owens or Nazih Ayubi to mention some and those preferring a more cultural approach based on modernization theory typified by Bernard Lewis. This book edited by Mark Tessler aims to draw from the various approaches to establish a balanced view which combines the more scientific 'methods' of describing the Middle East through social science with the historical and local specificity of area studies. Tessler's aim is to sgow that neother approach works well in isolation and that, indeed, a combination of these two provides the most effective framework to the study of the Middle East. The one discipline adding the necessary context to the other's discipline.
The book features a collection of essays by noted scholars such as Lisa Anderson, Clement Henry and August Richard Norton (among others) which are invaluable to the specialist as well as those who have had less exposure to the debate. I especially enjoyed Lisa Anderson's essay in which she acknowledges some of the shortcomings of area studies and the need to combine more social science perspectives in the discipline. Nervetheless, the other essays are just as important and valuable. ... Read more

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A Comprehensive Review, Primarily of Modern Iran
This is a scholarly review of the modern nation of Iran, published by the Library of Congress Federal Research Division.It has five chapters covering History, Society and Environment, Economy, Government and Politics, and National Security.The tone throughout is neutral.The writing is somewhat dense and dry, so I would not recommend it to anyone without at least some basis in Middle Eastern or Iranian history.But it is well-organized and highly informative, and is a good reference work.

The first chapter covers some six thousand years of history in less than eighty pages.Naturally this means the narrative is extremely short on detail.The author covers the essential points, but a reader not already familiar with the names of dynasties like Qajar and Pahlavi may be confused in later chapters.The chapter strongly emphasizes the modern era; the Achaemenid Empire is covered in six paragraphs, while the past three decades get 24 pages.

The second chapter has a very helpful discussion of the various ethnic and religious groups.The chapter also covers physical geography and social issues such as education and gender.

The chapter on Economics is the driest in the book.The reader is barraged with figures, often without any discussion of the significance of the figures.

The final two chapters are perhaps the most important for a reader looking to understand contemporary Iran.They follow the development of political parties, the Constitution, foreign relations, and military issues in lively detail.

I recommend a history with more mass appeal, such as Michael Axworthy's "A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind," before a book as dense as this one. ... Read more

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This edition provides updated information on the world's second most populous and fastest growing nation - India. Although much of India's traditional behaviour and organizational dynamics have remained the same since the first edition, internal and regional events have continued to shape Indian domestic and international policies. Particular attention is devoted to the people who make up the society. ... Read more

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One of the most civilized nations in history, China has a long-standing writing tradition and many Chinese texts have become world treasures. However, the way the Chinese teach writing in various countries in contemporary times is little known to the outside world, especially in Western countries. Undoubtedly, the Chinese have had an established traditional method of writing instruction. However, recent social and political developments have created the perception amongst both practitioners and researchers of a need for change. Whilst certain socio-political changes, both in Mainland China and in the territories, acted as agents for reform of the teaching of composition, the shape these reforms are taking has been due to many different influences, coming both from inside the countries themselves and from foreign sources. Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore have each developed their own approach to the teaching of composition.

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4th edition. Edited by Helen Chapin Metz. Prepared by the Library of Congress, Federal Research Division. Research completed June 1991. Describes and analyzes the history, politics, economics, and national security systems of Sudan. ... Read more