Genetic Crossroads: The Middle East and the Science of Human Heredity

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : an uneasy inheritance -- Drastic measurements -- Truth serum -- The traffic in blood -- Sickling sociologies -- Genes against beans -- Collection agents -- Domesticating diversity -- Conclusion : genomes without borders?

"This book is the first history of the science of human genetics in the Middle East, from its roots in colonial anthropology and medicine to present-day genomic projects. Genetic Nationalism reveals the effects of international genetic discourses on Middle Eastern nationalisms and the significance of Middle Eastern genetics to the international scientific community. This book illuminates how genetic research simultaneously promotes national interests in the global community and enforces colonialism at home. Elise Burton reveals the political, social, and technological processes that have shaped genetic research in the twentieth century, tracing the global incorporation of nationalist historical narratives and identities into the broader understanding of human evolution"-- Provided by publisher.