system and fear the effects of such ideas or institutions in their own countries. In conclusion, the same place which once fuelled the world’s first truly global industry with its vast reserves of oil may also become the centre of forces that reverse the globalizing tendencies of the states. The more open society has become a Pandora's Box which unlocked the possibilities of destruction and violence as well as democracy, free trade, and cultural and social exchange. In effect, decisions of the states to open up to international traffic and capital flows are reversible and may occur given the threats that globalization carries. See also Western world Middle East economic integration Middle East Economic Association Economy of the Middle East Islamic world contributions to Medieval Europe Moral syncretism Irreligion in the Middle East Islam and modernity References Middle East Globalization by location Cultural globalization