Focusing on the relationship between security and political culture, particularly in the Arab world, this study explores whether the concept of co-operative security can be applied in the Middle East. Bowker argues that the development of security for Israel and its Arab neighbours will depend on a process of building peace between societies, as well as between states. He examines some of the major political, economic, environmental and strategic factors affecting that process, including the impact of imbalances of power. He also considers the possible role of external parties in the development of regional security. The book serves as an introduction not only to the challenges surrounding the current negotiations in the region, but also to contemporary Arab political thought.