For the first time, a book that delves into the roots of the governance system that has prevailed in the Arab world since the early twentieth century, addressing its dynamics in detail. Why this particular system? And how did it create popular legitimacy based on economic success, manipulation of the constitution and elections, and suppression of access to information? Owen, a leading historian of the Middle East, explores the deep historical context necessary to understand the Arab revolutions, arguing that the phenomenon of 'presidents for life' is a product of historical circumstances, not a predetermined result of Arab tribalism or Islamic doctrine, as many studies on the Arab Spring have claimed. In this book, Owen compares Arab presidents to mafia dons who watch each other and learn from others' experiences, all under the structured support of the Arab League, which provided a cloak for their ambitions. This is not a general book; it delves into the specifics of each Arab country, highlighting the points of difference and convergence among them. It is unlike other research on the Arab revolutions in its methodology, content, and historical depth.

• Publishing House: Sharikat Al Matbouat for Distribution and Publishing
• Author: Roger Owen
• Number of Pages: 268
• Year of Publication: 2013
• ISBN: 9789953887807