A Fevered Crescent: Security and Insecurity in the Greater Near East

A Fevered Crescent succinctly defines the international security issues at stake in the countries of the Greater Near East, arguing that major obstacles to stability in this region could impact the United States. Focusing on the areas of Asia and Africa, the authors’ primary concerns are complex, interdependent factors—demographic change (especially rapid urbanization), conflict, and resource depletion—that are redrawing the global security map from Africa to the Indonesian archipelago. Miskel and Liotta also outline the disturbing emergence of mega-urban areas that only exist because they are propped up by international support and “pockets of darkness” in remote areas where terrorists and criminal organizations flourish.

            Offering suggestions for improving conditions in these developing nations, the book specifically recommends a new international “covenant” that would mobilize and marshal efforts to better govern cities and prevent remote areas from being overcome by destabilizing forces. The authors argue that changes cannot be made unilaterally or in a hegemonic manner; they must come from the combined efforts of not only international governments, but also nongovernmental organizations and civilian grassroots organizations in each country.