<div>The Middle East has a distinctive diplomatic culture, shaped by history, geography, and the social structures of Middle Eastern states. This book seeks to survey the diplomatic relationships and the foundations of foreign policy making among the principle players in the region, as well as exploring the Middle East policies of the four leading outside powers who have played such a crucial role in the region--the US, Britain, France, and Russia. Contributors to this volume, who are some of the most eminent specialists in their field, search for common themes and disparities in Middle East diplomacy.<br></div>