Description
Discover the profound insights of 'State of Repression' by Lisa Blaydes, a groundbreaking examination of modern Iraqi politics that defies conventional narratives and myths. This compelling trade paperback not only chronicles Iraq's transformation into one of the late twentieth century's most repressive dictatorships but also sheds light on the intricate dynamics of authoritarian governance. Published by Princeton University Press in 2021, this brand new book utilizes rare archival materials from Saddam Hussein's Ba'th Party to unravel the complexities of Iraqi political life.
In 'State of Repression,' Blaydes explores pivotal questions regarding collaboration and dissent among Iraqis under an oppressive regime, highlighting how collective punishment inadvertently reinforced societal divisions. Through a meticulous analysis of the regime's failures and external economic shocks—from oil price fluctuations to prolonged conflict with Iran—she provides a refreshing perspective on the factors that contribute to political repression and the resilience of opposition groups.
This book not only challenges the established beliefs about Iraq’s political sectarianism but also offers relevance beyond borders, presenting a broader commentary on how autocracies function. Perfect for scholars of Middle Eastern studies, political science enthusiasts, and those interested in the mechanisms of authoritarian control, 'State of Repression' is a vital addition to any bookshelf.
Delivery Information: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691211756
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
A new account of modern Iraqi politics that overturns the conventional wisdom about its sectarian divisions
How did Iraq become one of the most repressive dictatorships of the late twentieth century? The conventional wisdom about Iraq's modern political history is that the country was doomed by its diverse social fabric. But in State of Repression, Lisa Blaydes challenges this belief by showing that the country's breakdown was far from inevitable. At the same time, she offers a new way of understanding the behavior of other authoritarian regimes and their populations.
Drawing on archival material captured from the headquarters of Saddam Hussein's ruling Ba'th Party in the wake of the 2003 US invasion, Blaydes illuminates the complexities of political life in Iraq, including why certain Iraqis chose to collaborate with the regime while others worked to undermine it. She demonstrates that, despite the Ba'thist regime's pretensions to political hegemony, its frequent reliance on collective punishment of various groups reinforced and cemented identity divisions. At the same time, a series of costly external shocks to the economy-resulting from fluctuations in oil prices and Iraq's war with Iran-weakened the capacity of the regime to monitor, co-opt, coerce, and control factions of Iraqi society.
In addition to calling into question the common story of modern Iraqi politics, State of Repression offers a new explanation of why and how dictators repress their people in ways that can inadvertently strengthen regime opponents.
In 'State of Repression,' Blaydes explores pivotal questions regarding collaboration and dissent among Iraqis under an oppressive regime, highlighting how collective punishment inadvertently reinforced societal divisions. Through a meticulous analysis of the regime's failures and external economic shocks—from oil price fluctuations to prolonged conflict with Iran—she provides a refreshing perspective on the factors that contribute to political repression and the resilience of opposition groups.
This book not only challenges the established beliefs about Iraq’s political sectarianism but also offers relevance beyond borders, presenting a broader commentary on how autocracies function. Perfect for scholars of Middle Eastern studies, political science enthusiasts, and those interested in the mechanisms of authoritarian control, 'State of Repression' is a vital addition to any bookshelf.
Delivery Information: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691211756
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
A new account of modern Iraqi politics that overturns the conventional wisdom about its sectarian divisions
How did Iraq become one of the most repressive dictatorships of the late twentieth century? The conventional wisdom about Iraq's modern political history is that the country was doomed by its diverse social fabric. But in State of Repression, Lisa Blaydes challenges this belief by showing that the country's breakdown was far from inevitable. At the same time, she offers a new way of understanding the behavior of other authoritarian regimes and their populations.
Drawing on archival material captured from the headquarters of Saddam Hussein's ruling Ba'th Party in the wake of the 2003 US invasion, Blaydes illuminates the complexities of political life in Iraq, including why certain Iraqis chose to collaborate with the regime while others worked to undermine it. She demonstrates that, despite the Ba'thist regime's pretensions to political hegemony, its frequent reliance on collective punishment of various groups reinforced and cemented identity divisions. At the same time, a series of costly external shocks to the economy-resulting from fluctuations in oil prices and Iraq's war with Iran-weakened the capacity of the regime to monitor, co-opt, coerce, and control factions of Iraqi society.
In addition to calling into question the common story of modern Iraqi politics, State of Repression offers a new explanation of why and how dictators repress their people in ways that can inadvertently strengthen regime opponents.