Product Description Offers a novel cross-disciplinary theoretical perspective on conflict and conflict transformation in world society, and integrates the study of conflicts in the Middle East region into a modern systems theoretical framework. Review 'This is a path-breaking study that leads our analysis of the Middle East to new horizons. Stetter provides a rare example of combining theoretical sophistication with deep empirical knowledge. A challenging and thought-provoking piece of work that cannot be ignored.' - Professor Thomas Diez, University of Birmingham, UK'Stephan Stetter's book makes use of the insights of 'theory' and 'area studies' in understanding the 'Middle East'. It tackles difficult questions (as with 'conflict' and 'peace') and politicizes those very answers that mainstream approaches present as 'natural' (and therefore 'unchanging'). It is an inspired and inspiring read.' Pinar Bilgin, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey About the Author Stephan Stetter is International Politics and Conflict Studies chair at Universität der Bundeswehr München.