From the First World War to the Arab Spring / Middle East Today (PDF)

M. E. McMillan is author of Fathers and Sons: The Rise and Fall of Political Dynasty in the Middle East and the acclaimed The Meaning of Mecca: The Politics of Pilgrimage in Early Islam. She has worked as a translator for the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

“McMillan effortlessly stimulates readers by retelling how a contingent event or one person’s small decision has surprisingly altered and significantly sealed the fate of the Middle East from the outbreak of the First World War. … Nevertheless, From the First … Middle East? remains an invaluable addition to the field of Middle East Studies and democratization studies. … the unique contribution of this book should also be of interest to scholars in the field of the Global South.” (Wai Yip Ho, Bandung: Journal of the Global South, December, 2018)





“The book’s wealth of historical and contextual background allows for an empirically rich analysis of the major historical events.  McMillan has produced a work of exceptional lucidity that scholars, students and policy makers alike will consult for years to come. It is a valuable contribution to academia as well as highly recommended reading for the generalist, who will find it compelling and informative.” (Ahmed Sajjad, Middle East Policy, Vol. 24 (3), 2017)  




“I would certainly recommend it. It is clear, well written and accurate, but above all balanced and sympathetic, and a great place to start.” (Hugh Kennedy, Times Higher Education, timeshigherededucation.com, May, 2016)




“M. E. McMillan has written a cultural and political history with the clear and objective language of unbiased journalism. … McMillan succeeds admirably in presenting readers with a complete yet concise briefing on the last fifteen hundred years. … It is a truly brilliant piece of writing.” (Hubert O’Hearn, San Diego Book Review, sandiegobookreview.com, December, 2015)