Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies

Abstract In his book What is Iran? Domestic Politics and International Relations in Five Musical Pieces, published by Cambridge University Press in 2021, Arshin Adib-Moghaddam sets out to portray a picture of Iran that he hopes appreciates the complexity of Iran more than most depictions hitherto offered. To that end, he employs an aesthetic tool: a “playlist” of five musical pieces. The addition of that non-verbal emotive aspect, which he hopes would better convey the perhaps frustratingly layered nature of the country, is an auspicious innovation, not least because it can appeal not just to the logical but also to the aesthetic instinct of the reader with an interest in Iran and in pursuit of new insights.

Abstract The examination and scrutiny of the protracted Syrian crisis, recently the longest of its kind marked by rampant instability, terrorism proliferation, arms race, and various humanitarian catastrophes, have had ramifications extending far beyond the borders of Syria. In addition to the involvement of non-state actors, this crisis also served as a battleground for the competition between regional and global powers. Hence, due to its diverse geographical scope and the influence of foreign stakeholders, the crisis merits in-depth study and analysis. Dania Koleilat Khatib undertakes this task in her book, delving into the motives, policies, and utilization of significant tactics by influential stakeholders involved in the Syrian crisis. The actors include Russia, China, the United States, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as non-state actors to a certain degree. The resulting 13-chapter volume, titled The Syrian Crisis: Effects on Regional and International Relations, serves as an attempt to deepen the understanding of the crisis and its genesis regarding foreign power intervention.

Abstract Muslim–Christian Polemics in Safavid Iran by Alberto Tiburcio presents a fascinating and detailed account of the life and work of ʿAli Quli Jadid al-Islam, a Portuguese Augustinian priest who converted to Islam in Safavid Iran. The author meticulously reconstructs the context of Christian missions in Safavid Iran, highlighting the complex and often contradictory relationship between the state, the ulama, and various religious minorities. This contextualization provides a valuable backdrop for understanding the motivations and contemplative realm that led to Jadid al-Islam’s conversion.

Abstract In Oil Powers: A History of the U.S.-Saudi Alliance, Victor McFarland explores the US-Saudi relationship through an investigation of not only the contemporary US relationship with Saudi Arabia, but also the historical affiliations of the two countries, the nature of the relationship, as well as the role of fossil fuel in the establishment and development of this relationship. The book provides novel and interesting topics about the political economy of energy based on the author’s impressive and informative knowledge and academic skills.

Abstract Distinguished Professor Amin Saikal is a prominent Australian Middle Eastern politics scholar and media commentator, so his views on the Islamic Republic of Iran reach a wide audience. His view of Iran is one of an outsider, which entails certain limitations in terms of lived experience and cultural knowledge, but he is a native Persian speaker as well as an experienced researcher with first-hand experience of Iran. Saikal’s writing style and choice of content bridges his academic specialisation and extensive media and political commentary experience. Iran Rising thus has less theoretically sophisticated aims and a wider scope than a purely academic work, but seeks to offer a credible and well-informed portrait of the last four decades of Iranian politics, especially foreign policy.

Abstract The book, The Future of British Foreign Policy: Security and Diplomacy in a World after Brexit, is written by a well-known professor and expert in British foreign policy affairs, Professor Christopher Hill. He made an effort to trace the various dimensions and challenges of the UK–EU relationship since the establishment of the European Community, later the European Union.

Abstract Since the inception of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, China has increased its presence and influence in Africa and the MENA region. Taking advantage of economic opportunities and prioritizing trade concessions over diplomatic relations have recently been of great importance for China. Jean-Marc Blanchard’s China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative, Africa, and the Middle East seeks to address such issues by offering a historical overview of China’s political and economic bonds with African and the MENA states, and investigates their ties in the context of Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI).

Abstract From the very first days of its birth, Zionism labeled Palestine a “land without a people”, deciding from the beginning to “willfully ignore” the presence or even the existence of the Palestinian people. Such a claim ultimately developed into one of Israel’s founding myths and has been repeated by prominent Israeli leaders and politicians, ranging from Golda Meir to, most recently, Israeli finance minister Smotrich. It is this denial of existence and rights, which has gone beyond words and statements and has been institutionalized in the different spheres of Israeli politics and society, and its urban spaces, that forms the basis of Hackl’s ethnographic research. This book takes an inside look at what goes on with Palestinians who move within Tel Aviv, aiming to demonstrate how Palestinians have practically become exiles in their own land.

Abstract The International Legal Theory: Foundations and Frontiers (Cambridge University Press, July 22, 449 pages) is the most recent co-edited volume investigating significant schools of thought within international legal theory. The book explores the fundamental assumptions, core concepts, analytical tools, and critical challenges associated with these theoretical approaches. In terms of the scholars and the subjects that it brings together, this collection is an outstanding contribution of legal theorists and practitioners who discuss the challenges and opportunities of competing theoretical foundations of contemporary international law. The comprehensive and well-argued content of this book make it an invaluable resource for academics and practitioners engaged in the training , teaching, practice, or reform of international law.