The Hidden Hand: Middle East Fears of Conspiracy

by Daniel Pipes

Overview

As the first full-length study of conspiracy theories in the Middle East, The Hidden Hand reveals how such theories play a powerful role in the political life of the region. Placing conspiracy theories in their historical context, Daniel Pipes shows how the idea of the conspiracy has come to suffuse life in the Middle East, from the most private family conversations to the highest and most public levels of politics. Pipes then looks at conspiracies and their strength as a partial explanation for much of the region's problems, including its record of political extremism, its culture of violence, and its lack of modernization. Concluding with speculations about the future of conspiracy theories, Pipes provides a key to understanding the often complicated political culture of the Middle East.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780312176884
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/15/1998
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	420
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.93(d)

About the Author

Daniel Pipes is Editor of The Middle East Quarterly and Senior Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of nine books and the editor of one.

Table of Contents

Introduction * Changing the Course of History * Case Studies * In A League Of Their Own * "Greater Israel" * Iran's Islamic Revolution * Iran versus Iraq versus the World * The Conspirator * Zionists and Imperialists * Why Only Zionists and Imperialists? * Who Controls Whom? * The Conspirator's Nature * The Conspirator's Methods * The Paranoid Style * The Conspiracy Theorist: Manipulative or Sincere? * The Conspiracy Theory * Appearances Deceive * Why So Many Conspiracy Theories? * The Trauma of Modern Islam * The Impact of Western Thought * Actual Conspiracies * Political Structures * Conclusion * Hope for the Future?

Editorial Reviews

To anyone who really wants to understand the irrational complexities of the Middle East, Mr. Pipes's groundbreaking analysis is must reading.” —The Washington Times

“...a thoughtful book.” —The Wall Street Journal

“...an essential addition...because of its special focus on conspiracy theory as it influences the political thinking of an important region in the world.” —MELA Notes

From the Publisher