This work studies the role of the state in the Arab world. It sets out to place the Arab world within a framework that avoids both "orientalist" and "fundamentalist" insistence on the peculiarity of the region, and focuses on issues such as the relationship between state and civil society.

This study of politics and the role of the state in the Arab world is aimed at students of Middle East politics, political theory and political economy. Ayubi's main objective is to place the Arab world within a theoretical framework that avoids both "orientalist" and "fundamentalist" insistence on the utter peculiarity and uniqueness of the region. He focuses on eight countries, and deals with such issues as the emergence of social classes, corporatism, economic liberalization and the relationship between state and civil society.