"The array of essays by prominent, established scholars provides insights into the ways in which the breakup of traditional forms of tribal authority have led to the creation of new forms of ethnic identity."—Contemporary Sociology
"The unifying theme of this volume is the dynamics of the effort to form a strong central government in Islamic societies historically torn by serious ethnic and tribal divisions, which have never been successfully accommodated or resolved."—Arab Book World
"It keeps our focus where it ought to be in examining the destiny of this critical area of the world."—Pacific Affairs
"A positive scholarly contribution to the field of knowledge in near eastern and southwestern Asian studies. Carefully edited, the writings will be a valuable source of insight for students of culture, ethnicity, and politics."—Perspective
About the Author
Ali Banuazizi is professor of Social Psychology and Modern Iranian History at Boston College, a past editor of, and the author of a number of articles on Iran and the Middle East.
Myron Weiner is Ford International Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for International Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of India's Preferential Policies and Sons of the Soil: Migration and Ethnic Conflict in India.
August 1988