The Middle East has a distinctive diplomatic culture, shaped by history,
geography, and the social structures of Middle Eastern states. This book
seeks to survey the diplomatic relationships and the foundations of
foreign policy making among the principle players in the region, as well
as exploring the Middle East policies of the four leading outside powers
who have played such a crucial role in the region--the US, Britain,
France, and Russia. Contributors to this volume, who are some of the
most eminent specialists in their field, search for common themes and
disparities in Middle East diplomacy.