ABSTRACT

The Arab region represents one of the world’s most important geo-political units. It occupies a crucial position in the international system, where contests between the world’s major powers have historically been pursued. The region contains a large and rapidly growing population and, of course, vital economic resources on which the world is deeply dependent. The Arab world is described as inherently authoritarian and oppressive, features that are seen as being responsible for major social and economic problems. These problems are inextricably linked to some of the great challenges confronting the international community. What follows is an attempt to understand some of the bases of these criticisms and to place Arab political behaviour in the context of an Arab political tradition with its own unique characteristics and values.