The Arabists

The Arabists chronicles the history and influence of American diplomats, missionaries, and scholars who specialized in the Arab world from the early 1800s through the late 20th century. Through interviews and historical research, Kaplan traces how these specialists shaped U.S. foreign policy and cultural understanding of the Middle East. The book follows key figures who devoted their careers to engaging with Arab culture and politics, often living for extended periods in the region. Their stories reveal the complex relationship between the United States and the Arab world, from early missionary work through major diplomatic initiatives and conflicts. These specialists' deep cultural and linguistic knowledge made them essential to American interests, yet sometimes put them at odds with U.S. policies. The book examines their roles during pivotal moments including World War II, the creation of Israel, the Cold War, and the oil crisis. The narrative raises questions about expertise, cultural understanding, and the balance between diplomatic pragmatism and regional specialization in foreign relations. Kaplan's work illustrates how personal experiences and long-term immersion in a region can both enhance and complicate official policy decisions.

Readers praise the detailed portraits of State Department Arabists and their role in US Middle East policy from the 1800s through the 1990s. Many note Kaplan's balanced treatment of the Arabists' deep regional knowledge while also examining their biases and policy failures. Readers appreciate: - In-depth research and interviews - Historical context about American missionaries in the Middle East - Clear explanations of complex diplomatic relationships Common criticisms: - Too much focus on individual biographies rather than policy analysis - Dated perspective (published 1993) - Some readers find the writing style dry Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (246 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Sample reader comment: "Kaplan presents these diplomats as neither heroes nor villains, but as products of their unique experiences who shaped American involvement in the Arab world." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note the book remains relevant for understanding current US-Middle East relations despite its age.

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🌟 The term "Arabist" originally referred to American missionaries who went to the Middle East in the 1800s, only later evolving to mean diplomats and scholars specializing in Arab affairs. 🌟 Author Robert D. Kaplan spent his early career living in and reporting from war zones, including Lebanon during its civil war, which gave him unique insights into Middle Eastern politics and culture. 🌟 Many early American Arabists came from prominent New England Protestant families and attended Princeton University, creating an informal network that shaped U.S. Middle East policy for generations. 🌟 The book reveals how American diplomatic posts in the Arab world were often passed down through families, with children following their parents' footsteps after growing up in the region. 🌟 Despite their deep knowledge of Arab culture and language, many Arabists found themselves increasingly marginalized in U.S. foreign policy after 1948 due to their perceived pro-Arab stance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.