Threats and Alliances in the Middle East : Saudi and Syrian Policies in a Turbulent Region

Examining differing perceptions of threats and the subsequent alliance choices of two Arab states, Saudi Arabia and Syria, during three pivotal wars in the region: the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the Lebanon War (2006), and the Gaza War (2009), May Darwich analyses how ideational and material forces influence leaders' perceptions in the Middle East, and their broader international relationships. Using these comparative cases studies, Darwich advances our understanding of why, and the conditions under which, identity can play a predominant role in shaping the perception of threat in some cases, whilst material power is predominant in others. By engaging in significant debates about the role identity and material power in shaping state behaviour in the Middle East, this study has significant implications for international relations theory and beyond. "Threats and Alliances in the Middle East is an analysis of how ideational and material forces shape threat perception and alliance choices in international relationships. It examines divergent threat perceptions and alliance choices of two Arab states, Saudi Arabia and Syria, during three wars in the region: the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the 2006 Lebanon War, and the 2009 Gaza War. Using these comparative cases studies, the book advances our understanding of why, and the conditions under which, identity plays a predominant role in shaping threat perceptions in some cases while material power is predominant in others. In doing so, the book provides insights about the role of identity and material power in shaping alliance patterns in the Middle East. The book makes clear that identities may play a predominant role in threat perception if state identities lack flexibility and malleability and the relative power distribution presents leaders with multiple policy options. When identity is flexible and the relative power distributions constraints leaders' choices, material power is likely to dominate threat perception. The book has significant implications for international relations theory and engages in important debates about the role identity, religion, and power in shaping state behaviour"--Publisher's description Examines Saudi And Syrian Policies During Three Pivotal Wars, To Understand How Identity And Power Influence State Behaviour In The Middle East.