A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East
The critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling account of how the modern Middle East came into being after World War I, and why it is in upheaval today. Published with a new afterword from the author — the classic, bestselling account of how the modern Middle East was created
The Middle East has long been a region of rival religions, ideologies, nationalisms, and ambitions. All of these conflicts—including the hostilities between Arabs and Israelis, and the violent challenges posed by Iraq’s competing sects—are rooted in the region’s political inheritance: the arrangements, unities, and divisions imposed by the Allies after the First World War.
In A Peace to End All Peace, David Fromkin reveals how and why the Allies drew lines on an empty map that remade the geography and politics of the Middle East. Focusing on the formative years of 1914 to 1922, when all seemed possible, he delivers in this sweeping and magisterial book the definitive account of this defining time, showing how the choices narrowed and the Middle East began along a road that led to the conflicts and confusion that continue to this day.
A new afterword from Fromkin, written for this edition of the book, includes his invaluable, updated assessment of this region of the world today, and on what this history has to teach us.
For at least a century before the 1914 war, Europeans had regarded it as axiomatic that someday the Middle East would be occupied by one or more of the Great Powers. Their great fear was that disputes about their respective shares might lead the European powers to fight ruinous wars against one another.
A Peace to End All Peace is a meticulously researched and insightful examination of the intricate web of events and decisions that shaped the Middle East after World War I. Fromkin’s work provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, diplomatic, and strategic considerations that influenced the formation of the modern Middle East.
One of the strengths of the book is Fromkin’s ability to unravel the complexities of the post-war negotiations and their far-reaching consequences. He skillfully navigates through the intricate web of competing interests, rivalries, and conflicting promises made by the Great Powers, shedding light on the motivations behind their actions. The depth of historical detail and the author’s ability to connect disparate events and individuals create a cohesive narrative that captures the reader’s attention.
Moreover, A Peace to End All Peace underscores the long-lasting repercussions of the decisions made during this period. Fromkin illustrates how the redrawing of borders, imposition of mandates, and manipulation of ethnic and religious divisions continue to shape the region’s political landscape today. The book serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the unintended consequences and enduring legacies of geopolitical decisions.
However, some readers may find the book dense and overly detailed, which could make it challenging to follow at times. Additionally, Fromkin’s narrative occasionally leans towards a Western-centric perspective, neglecting the voices and perspectives of the people who were most directly affected by these decisions.
Overall, A Peace to End All Peace is a valuable and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and ramifications of the post-World War I settlement in the Middle East. It is a significant contribution to the understanding of the region’s history and serves as a reminder of the profound impact of geopolitical decisions on global affairs.