League of Arab States

Abstract

This study is concerned with the League of Arab States as an expression of the pan-Arab movement. The activities of the League from 194-5 to 1955 are analysed in order to illuminate a passing phase in Arab nationalism. Part One of this thesis is an analysis of Islam and some of its political and sociological concepts which have shaped the present Arab trends. This approach allows one to consider the intricate relationship between pan- Islamisn and pan-Arabism. Part Two covers the diplomatic activities, inside as well as outside the Arab world, which led to the birth of the League. Inter-Arab relations, during the Second World War, are studied on the basis of the documentation which has been published by the League about the Arab consultations which preceded the signing of the Charter in March 1945. In Part Three, the work of the League during its first ten years is assessed and evaluated in terns of inter-Arab relations, in particular, and international relations, in general. The emphasis is one the political activities. The Palestinian question is treated as an "Arab tragedy" rather than as an Arab-Zionist conflict. The Conclusion is more concerned with Arab nationalism as a movement striving for Arab unity and seeking a doctrine, than with the League which is taken as a transitory institution reflecting inter-Arab tensions and the handicaps in the way of Arab aspirations.