Recent developments in Palestinian political, economic, and social life have resulted in greater insecurity and diminishing confidence in Israel's willingness to abide by political agreements or the Palestinian leadership's ability to forge consensus. This volume examines the legacies of the past century, conditions of life in the present, and the possibilities and constraints on prospects for peace and self-determination in the future. These historically grounded essays by leading scholars engage the issues that continue to shape Palestinian society, such as economic development, access to resources, religious transformation, and political movements.

Contributions by: Gabriel Piterberg, Leila Farsakh, Tamim al-Barghouti, As'ad Ghanem, Sara Roy, Susan M. Akram, Islah Jad, Loren D. Lybarger