Shocks and Rivalries in the Middle East and North Africa

This is the first book to analyze the dynamics of interstate rivalries in the international relations of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and how they have changed dramatically in recent decades. The authors explore rivalry origins, persistence, escalation, and termination. They also analyze how shock events, such as internal revolts or regional wars, can change the trajectory of rivalries, including to begin or end them. The rivalries in the book, including both contemporary and twentieth-century rivalries, are Israel-Iran, Iran-Saudi Arabia, Iran-Turkey, Iran-Iraq-Syria, Egypt-Saudi Arabia, and Algeria-Morocco. Other chapters provide analysis across rivalries and over time. This book will address an understudied phenomenon in the international relations of the Middle East and extends international relations scholars' understanding of rivalry dynamics in global politics. The book will appeal to scholars of international relations and Middle East studies and will be a supplemental reading for graduate and upper-level undergraduate classes.