Centering on the Arab experience, this book seeks to explain the appeal of constitutional documents to authoritarian regimes. It also assesses the utility of constitutions in efforts to increase the accountability of those same regimes. Specific chapters consider the role of constitutions in monarchical and republican governments, and the relationship between parliamentarianism, judicial review, and Islam in the Arab world. Brown teaches political science and international affairs at George Washington University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)