The Closed Circle: An interpretation of the Arabs
Encyclopedia
The Closed Circle: An interpretation of the Arabs is a book by author David Pryce-Jones
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society which form the basis of its cultural traditions. The author documents the cultural forces which drive the violence and mayhem that, in his view, is characteristic of Arab societies in their dealings with each other and with the West.
The author argues that the Arab world is stuck in an age-old tribalism
and behavior from which it is unable to evolve. In tribal society, loyalty is extended to close kin and other members of the tribe
. In the Arab world
those who seek power achieve it by plotting secretly and ruthlessly eliminating their rivals.
David Pryce-Jones
David Eugene Henry Pryce-Jones FRSL is a conservative British author and commentator.- Career :He was educated at Eton and read History at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied under A.J.P...
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Summary
This book discusses the tribal roots of ArabArab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
society which form the basis of its cultural traditions. The author documents the cultural forces which drive the violence and mayhem that, in his view, is characteristic of Arab societies in their dealings with each other and with the West.
The author argues that the Arab world is stuck in an age-old tribalism
Tribalism
The social structure of a tribe can vary greatly from case to case, but, due to the small size of tribes, it is always a relatively simple role structure, with few significant social distinctions between individuals....
and behavior from which it is unable to evolve. In tribal society, loyalty is extended to close kin and other members of the tribe
Tribe
A tribe, viewed historically or developmentally, consists of a social group existing before the development of, or outside of, states.Many anthropologists use the term tribal society to refer to societies organized largely on the basis of kinship, especially corporate descent groups .Some theorists...
. In the Arab world
Arab world
The Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking states, territories and populations in North Africa, Western Asia and elsewhere.The standard definition of the Arab world comprises the 22 states and territories of the Arab League stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the...
those who seek power achieve it by plotting secretly and ruthlessly eliminating their rivals.
Table of contents
- Tribal Society and Its Legacy
- Shame and Honor
- Western Approaches
- Power Challenging and Careerism
- Men and Women
- The Turkish Example
- Colonialism
- The Impact of Nazism
- The Impact of Communism
- Arabia and Oil
- The Issue of Palestine
- Power Holders
- Image and Identity
- Conclusion