Envisioning the Arab Future: Modernization in US-Arab Relations, 1945–1967 (Global and International History)

Decades before 9/11 and the 'Arab Spring', US and Arab elites contended over the future of the Middle East. Through unprecedented research in Arabic and English, Envisioning the Arab Future details how Americans and Arabs - nationalists, Islamists, and communists - disputed the meaning of modernization within a shared set of Cold War-era concepts. Faith in linear progress, the idea that society functioned as a 'system', and a fascination with speed united officials and intellectuals who were otherwise divided by language and politics. This book assesses the regional implications of US power while examining a range of topics that transcends the Arab-Israeli conflict, including travel, communities, gender, oil, agriculture, Iraqi nationalism, Nasser's Arab Socialism, and hijackings in both the United States and the Middle East. By uncovering a shared history of modernization between Arabs and Americans, Envisioning the Arab Future challenges assumptions about a 'clash of civilizations' and profoundly reinterprets the antecedents of today's crises. Decades Before 9/11 And The 'arab Spring', Us And Arab Elites Debated Over The Future Of The Middle East. Through Unprecedented Research In Arabic And English, Envisioning The Arab Future Details How Americans And Arabs - Nationalists, Islamists, And Communists - Disputed The Meaning Of Modernization Within A Shared Set Of Cold War-era Concepts. Faith In Linear Progress, The Idea That Society Functioned As A 'system', And A Fascination With Speed United Elites Otherwise Divided By Language, Culture, And Politics. The Book Assesses The Regional Implications Of Us Power While Examining A Range Of Topics That Transcends The Arab-israeli Conflict, Including Travel, Communities, Gender, Oil, Agriculture, Iraqi Nationalism, Nasser's Arab Socialism, And Hijackings In Both The Us And The Middle East. By Uncovering A Shared History Of Modernization Between Arabs And Americans, Envisioning The Arab Future Challenges Assumptions About A 'clash Of Civilizations' And Profoundly Reinterprets The Antecedents Of Today's Crises. The History Of The Future -- The Age Of Speed -- Imperial Legacies -- City Of The Future -- Yeoman Farmers -- The People's Court -- The New Men -- Changing Course -- A Better Future. Nathan J. Citino. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Contents 9 Figures 10 Maps 11 Acknowledgments 13 Note on Transliteration and Translation 15 Abbreviations 17 Introduction: The "History of the Future" 19 1. The Age of Speed 33 2. Imperial Legacies 74 3. City of the Future 115 4. Yeoman Farmers 160 5. The People's Court 195 6. The "New Men" 230 7. Changing Course 269 Conclusion: A Better Future 304 Bibliography 309 Index 335