This book investigates the complex and often fraught relationships between the Kurdish people, the Arab populations, and the British administration in the aftermath of World War I, particularly concerning the establishment and administration of mandates in the Middle East. Fieldhouse examines the competing nationalisms and imperial interests that shaped the region's political landscape. The work draws upon archival sources and secondary scholarship to present a detailed analysis of the period. It seeks to understand the long-term consequences of these interactions on the modern Middle East.

Fieldhouse's work is recognized for its detailed examination of the intricate geopolitical dynamics following World War I in the Middle East. It is considered a valuable contribution to the understanding of the historical roots of contemporary regional conflicts. The book is noted for its scholarly approach to the interplay of imperial ambitions and local nationalisms.