The Middle East: Past, Present, and Future (World Regional Geography Book Series)

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands as a remarkable crossroads of tradition and modernity, shaped by millennia of history under empires, colonial powers, and global influences. This book unpacks the intricate dynamics of the region, examining how historical resource exploitation, border manipulation, and cultural impositions have profoundly impacted its languages, traditions, and geopolitical identity. The rich tapestry of Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish, and regional dialects reflects a deep cultural resilience that has resisted globalization, often fueled anti-Western sentiments and prioritized the preservation of heritage over rapid economic development.

Central to the region’s geopolitical importance is its vast oil wealth, which has positioned MENA as a cornerstone of the global energy market and a continuous focus of Western interest. This book explores how oil exploitation has economically empowered the region while simultaneously fostering political tension, external interventions, and instability. As the global shift toward green technologies accelerates, the book examines how this transition might redefine MENA’s role in the global energy market, offering both challenges and opportunities for transformation. These dynamics unfold against the backdrop of water scarcity and a scorching, inhospitable climate that further complicates the region’s path forward.

Grounded in real-life case studies and an interdisciplinary blend of historical, cultural, and economic analysis, this book offers an unparalleled exploration of the MENA region’s past, present, and future in the context of advanced technological development. Co-authored by a Palestinian native, it brings a unique perspective by dissecting ongoing identity crises through unbiased insights and true-life conversations with individuals who have embraced diverse religious and political ideologies. By intertwining these narratives with the region’s deeply rooted cultural practices, the book presents a compelling human lens to understand MENA's complexities.

This rare and thought-provoking study seamlessly balances traditional and modern perspectives, emphasizing the MENA region’s pivotal role at the intersection of Western powers and the Global South. For readers seeking to grasp the intricate dynamics of a region that continues to influence and adapt to an ever-changing global order, this book serves as an indispensable resource.

Dr. Keshav Bhattarai, PhD, is a Professor of Geography in the Department of Physical Sciences at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), established in 1871 and located in Warrensburg, Missouri, USA. At UCM, Dr. Bhattarai teaches courses on geospatial technology, economic geography, and contemporary geopolitics. He brings over twenty years of teaching experience in the United States and fifteen years of professional experience in Nepal's forestry sector. In addition, he served as visiting faculty at Nepal's Forestry Institute and was a Fulbright Scholar at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. Dr. Bhattarai has also held leadership roles, including serving as Department Chair of Geography at UCM.

Dr. Bhattarai earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He also holds an AIFC degree from the Indian Forest College in Dehradun, India, along with baccalaureate degrees in Biology, Economics, and Law from Tribhuvan University. Further adding to his diverse expertise, he obtained a diploma in Aeronautical Radio Engineering from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

As a prolific scholar, Dr. Bhattarai has authored five books, numerous book chapters, and journal articles. His notable work, Contemporary Environmental Problems in Nepal: Geographic Perspectives (Springer, 2021), co-authored with Dennis Conway, explores Nepal's geopolitics, political economy, and governance while addressing environmental dynamics in South Asia. Recognized for his scholarly contributions, Dr. Bhattarai has received multiple awards for research excellence, international scholarship, and academic achievement.

Dr. Mahmoud Yousef, PhD, is a Professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity in the Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), established in 1871 in Warrensburg, Missouri, USA. With over thirty years of teaching experience in the United States, Dr. Yousef has also taught in the West Bank and the United Arab Emirates. At UCM, he has served as the Graduate Coordinator for Computer Science and Cybersecurity and as Assistant Chair for the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.

Dr. Yousef holds a Ph.D. in Computational Analysis and Modeling from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. He also earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Kent State University in Ohio and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan.

Throughout his career, Dr. Yousef has published extensively across multiple disciplines, including computer science, mathematics, and medicine. He has been the Principal Investigator (PI) on several grant-funded projects and served as Managing Editor for the Missouri Journal of Mathematical Sciences. Additionally, he chaired the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges–Central Plains Conference and was honored with the College of Health and Science and Technology’s T. R. Gaines Outstanding Faculty Award.

While his expertise lies in computational analysis and mathematical modeling, Dr. Yousef maintains a strong interest in contemporary global geopolitics, particularly developments in the MENA region. He contributes feature articles that delve into the region's geopolitical and sociocultural issues, reflecting his deep engagement with global affairs.