Citizenship and the State in the Middle East – Approaches and Applications

As a response to processes of globalization, regional integration and ethnic conflicts, the study of citizenship has regained new interest among social scientists and legal experts. This approach focuses on the relationship between the state and the people-as individuals and collectivities, citizens and non-citizens-both those living within or outside its borders. Citizenship defines the terms of rights and obligations in a society, regulates political participation and access to public goods and properties. Together, with its companion volume, Gender and Citizenship in the Middle East, this book represents the first systematic critical attempt to interpret the complex nature of Middle East politics from a citizenship perspective.

In addition, the book provides both theoretical contributions and case studies, and includes a significant section on Israel and Palestine.

Nils A. Butenschon is associate professor of international politics and relations and director of the Norwegian Institute of Human Rights, the University of Oslo.

Uri Davis is chair, AL-BIET: Association for Defence of Human Rights in Israel.

Manuel Hassassian is professor of international politics and executive vice president of Bethlehem University.