Post-Marxism and the Middle East

The demise of the Soviet Union and the fall of communism has had a particular profound and traumatic effect on the Arab world and its intellectuals. They have now had to reposition themselves within an entirely new geopolitical context (previously, they had seen the world in terms of two power blocs, with most of the aid and ideological support coming from the communist world). This, in turn, has demanded a radical re-appraisal of the Arabs’ world view - an entire set of political, social and economic premises has had to be re-thought. This study covers a wide range of topical and controversial issues, with particular reference to the Arab countries. Contributors include: Maurice Godelier, Fred Halliday, Susan Vosper, Paul Hirst and Ali Shamsavari. Faleh A. Jabr is the author of Modern Islamic Thought and Materialism and The Structure of Modern Islamic Thought .