Legacies of Imperialism and Identity in West Asia

This chapter examines the lasting impact of European imperialism on the formation of nation-states in the Arab world after World War I, highlighting how these artificial constructs contribute to present-day conflicts. It discusses the potential for more fluid governance models derived from pre-colonial structures and emphasizes the importance of collective identities in fostering peace. The chapter also critiques nationalistic ideologies by proposing alternative frameworks informed by local heritage and the complexities of ethnic and linguistic diversity.