The Network State: Triangular Relations in Middle Eastern Politics

This paper offers a network approach to the comparative study of Middle Eastern
political relations. In contrast to the dominant categorical perspective, we
propose a network approach as an analytical strategy which focusing on social ties and political interactions. Using the network perspective, researchers can analyze more effectively the multiple configurations by which the politics of the Middle East is embedded in social, structural and religious connections. The metaphor of social embeddedness then serves as a heuristic device, which facilitates a novel and more comprehensive conception of Middle Eastern political vertical and horizontal relations, at the dynamic crossroad between externally imposed states, community networks, and religious and secular panmovements.