Schism by Simon Mabon - ISBN: 9780300276138
Hardcover
Unraveling the Middle East’s complex schisms, beyond ancient hatreds.

Schism

The Story of Sectarianism in the Modern Middle East

$46.80

  • Hardcover

    304 pages

  • Release Date

    11 September 2026

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Summary

A sophisticated new account of sectarianism in the Middle East

Sectarianism saturates our conversations about the Middle East, its politics and society, and the divide between Sunni and Shi’a captures headlines the world over. But in reality, sectarian difference is far from a uniquely Islamic phenomenon. Throughout the region, religious and communitarian schisms play out in politics, economics and theology, across religions and borders.

But how did these divi…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9780300276138
ISBN-10:0300276133
Author:Simon Mabon
Publisher:Yale University Press
Imprint:Yale University Press
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:304
Release Date:11 September 2026
Dimensions:152mm x 235mm
A-Format
B-Format
C-Format
Schism by Simon Mabon - ISBN: 9780300276138
152 × 235 mm
A4
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

“A timely and sophisticated tour of the complex politics of sectarianism across the Middle East. Mabon debunks sensationalist accounts and offers essential perspective on the changing role of identities and religion.”—Marc Lynch, author of America’s Middle East

“A sharp and informed interrogation of the meaning of sectarianism as a frame for understanding the Middle East. Mabon examines the real world politics of multi-ethnic states, and demonstrates that sectarianism should be thought of as a process, not as a consequence of fixed identities. Indispensable reading.”—Juan Cole, author of Muhammad

“A masterful excavation of how politics consumes faith. Mabon walks us to the edge of the Middle East’s faultlines, and shows how elites weaponise identity to survive. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the region’s schisms, and the people trapped within them.”—Ali Hashem, war correspondent

“This book offers a masterful exploration of sectarianism in the modern Middle East, examining its complexities through the region’s history and development. It is essential reading for policymakers, students, and researchers alike.”—Raihan Ismail, author of Rethinking Salafism

About The Author

Simon Mabon

Simon Mabon is professor of international politics and director of the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-Sectarianisation project at Lancaster University. He is the author of books including The Struggle for Supremacy in the Middle East and Houses Built on Sand: Violence, Sectarianism and Revolution in the Middle East.

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