From Sheikhs to Sultanism: Statecraft and Authority in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

The princely strongmen of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Muhammad bin Salman Al-Saud and Muhammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, have torn up the old rules and replaced them with autocratic, personalistic, and analytically distinct systems. This could have a direct impact on policies, economies, and individual lives all around the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 516 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The powerful leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Muhammad bin Salman Al-Saud and Muhammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, have boldly challenged the established norms and reshaped the political landscape of their respective nations. These princely strongmen have spearheaded transformative economic master plans, overseen extensive anti-corruption crackdowns, confronted entrenched religious forces, and orchestrated the mass detention of critics. Simultaneously, they have replaced the traditional sheikhly consensus systems of their predecessors with more autocratic, personalized, and potentially analytically distinct governing structures.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as the two wealthiest and most populous Gulf monarchies, have emerged as increasingly influential global powers. Saudi Arabia is a member of the prestigious G20 forum, while the UAE will host the World Expo in 2021-2022. These sweeping changes in statecraft and authority structures have the potential to exert a profound impact on policies, economies, and individual lives across the globe.

In his book, "From Sheikhs to Sultanism: The Rise of MBS and MBZ," Christopher M. Davidson examines the hypothesis that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have effectively transitioned into contemporary or even advanced sultanates. Drawing on a diverse range of primary sources, including new interviews and surveys, Davidson offers an original and empirically grounded interpretation of the rise of MBS and MBZ.

Through his comprehensive analysis, Davidson explores the historical, social, and political factors that have shaped the ascent of these two leaders. He examines their backgrounds, education, and influences, as well as their strategies for consolidating power and reshaping their nations. Davidson also delves into the economic policies, foreign relations, and social reforms implemented by MBS and MBZ, highlighting their efforts to modernize their economies, diversify their sources of revenue, and promote social inclusion.

One of the key themes of Davidson's book is the transition from traditional authoritarianism to contemporary sultanism. He argues that MBS and MBZ have embraced a more personalized and assertive style of governance, combining traditional religious and cultural values with modern economic and political principles. This fusion of traditional and modern elements has allowed these leaders to navigate complex social and political challenges, while also appealing to a broader range of stakeholders.

However, Davidson also raises concerns about the potential consequences of this shift towards sultanism. He points out that the increased autocracy and personalism of these leaders may lead to a concentration of power, erosion of democratic institutions, and restrictions on civil liberties. Davidson also questions the sustainability of the economic policies pursued by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly in the context of rising global oil prices and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these concerns, Davidson remains optimistic about the potential for positive change in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He believes that the leadership of MBS and MBZ has the potential to drive economic development, promote social inclusion, and strengthen regional stability. Davidson encourages international engagement and dialogue to support these leaders' efforts to build a more prosperous and inclusive future for their nations and the broader world.

In conclusion, "From Sheikhs to Sultanism: The Rise of MBS and MBZ" provides a valuable insight into the political dynamics of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Through his comprehensive analysis, Christopher M. Davidson offers an original and empirically grounded interpretation of the rise of MBS and MBZ, highlighting their efforts to modernize their nations, consolidate power, and navigate complex social and political challenges. While raising concerns about the potential consequences of this shift towards sultanism, Davidson remains optimistic about the potential for positive change and encourages international engagement to support these leaders' efforts to build a more prosperous and inclusive future for their nations and the broader world.

Weight: 776g
Dimension: 351 x 225 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787383937