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Arabists: The Romance of an American Elite

Dwight Bell

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Arabists: The Romance of an American Elite is a fascinating look at the lives and careers of a group of American scholars who dedicated their lives to the study of the Arab world. These men and women were pioneers in their field, and their work helped to shape our understanding of the Middle East. The book is full of colorful characters and behind-the-scenes stories, and it offers a unique perspective on the history of American foreign policy.

Arabists: The Romance of an American Elite

by Robert D. Kaplan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3992 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

The Early Years

The first American Arabists emerged in the late 19th century. These men were often missionaries or diplomats who spent extended periods of time in the Middle East. They were fascinated by the region's culture and history, and they began to write books and articles about their experiences. One of the most influential early Arabists was Edward William Lane, who published a classic work on Egyptian society in 1836. Lane's work helped to dispel many of the myths and stereotypes that Europeans had about the Middle East, and it laid the foundation for the field of Arab studies.

The Golden Age of Arabism

The early 20th century was a golden age for Arabism in the United States. A number of major universities established programs in Arab studies, and a new generation of scholars emerged. These scholars were more rigorous and professional than their predecessors, and they produced a wealth of new research on the Middle East. One of the most important figures of this period was Philip Hitti, who wrote a number of influential books on Arab history and culture. Hitti's work helped to make Arab studies a respected academic discipline.

The Cold War and the Middle East

The Cold War had a profound impact on Arabism in the United States. The United States government became increasingly interested in the Middle East as a strategic region, and it began to fund research on the area. This led to a boom in the number of Arabists working in academia and government. However, the Cold War also led to a politicization of Arab studies. Some Arabists became advocates for American foreign policy in the Middle East, while others became critics of US intervention in the region.

The Post-Cold War Era

The end of the Cold War led to a decline in funding for Arab studies in the United States. However, the field continued to grow and develop. New generations of scholars emerged, and they brought new perspectives to the study of the Middle East. Today, Arabists are more diverse than ever before, and they come from a variety of backgrounds. They are working on a wide range of topics, and they are making important contributions to our understanding of the Middle East.

Arabists: The Romance of an American Elite is a fascinating and informative book that provides a unique perspective on the history of American foreign policy. The book is full of colorful characters and behind-the-scenes stories, and it offers a wealth of new information on the role that Arabists have played in shaping our understanding of the Middle East. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Middle East or American foreign policy.

Arabists: The Romance of an American Elite