Tribe–state relations are a key element of authoritarian bargains in the Middle East, but the structures of governance vary widely. Scott Weiner's book explains this variation in tribal access to limited resources before state building, based on empirical data and interviews with former government officials, tribal leaders, civil society activists, and students.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Tribe–state relations are a crucial aspect of authoritarian bargains in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf States. However, the structures of governance built upon this foundation exhibit significant variations. Scott Weiner's book, "Tribe–State Relations in the Gulf States: A Case Comparison of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar," explores this variation in the salience of kinship authority. Through a case comparison of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, Weiner demonstrates that variation in tribal access to limited resources before state building can account for these differences. The book is based on empirical data and over 50 interviews with former government officials, tribal leaders, civil society activists, and students, providing valuable insights into state formation on the Arabian Peninsula.

Tribe–State Relations in the Gulf States: A Case Comparison of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar

Tribe–state relations are a foundational element of authoritarian bargains in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf States. However, the structures of governance built upon that foundation exhibit wide differences. What explains this variation in the salience of kinship authority?

Through a case comparison of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, Scott Weiner shows that variation in tribal access to limited resources before state building can account for these differences. Based on empirical data and over 50 interviews with former government officials, tribal leaders, civil society activists, and students, the book reveals important new details about state formation on the Arabian Peninsula.

Introduction

The Gulf States are a region of the Middle East that is characterized by its oil wealth, political stability, and authoritarian governance. These states have been ruled by tribal leaders for centuries, and their governance structures have been shaped by the traditional kinship authority of tribes. However, the structures of governance built upon this foundation exhibit significant variations. This book aims to explore these variations and explain why they exist.

Case Comparison of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar

Weiner's book focuses on three Gulf States: Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. These states are located in the Arabian Peninsula and have similar historical backgrounds. However, they have different governance structures and levels of economic development. Kuwait is a small, oil-rich emirate that has been ruled by the Al-Sabah family since the 18th century. Oman is a large, oil-rich sultanate that has been ruled by the Al-Busaid family since the 17th century. Qatar is a small, gas-rich emirate that has been ruled by the Al-Thani family since the 19th century.

Weiner's analysis reveals that variation in tribal access to limited resources before state building can account for these differences. In Kuwait, for example, the Al-Sabah family had control over the country's oil resources, which gave them significant economic and political power. This allowed them to establish a centralized government and to maintain control over the country's political system. In Oman, on the other hand, the Al-Busaid family had limited access to oil resources, which led to a more decentralized government and a weaker political system. In Qatar, the Al-Thani family had control over the country's gas resources, which gave them significant economic and political power. This allowed them to establish a centralized government and to maintain control over the country's political system.

Conclusion

Tribe–state relations are a foundational element of authoritarian bargains in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf States. However, the structures of governance built upon this foundation exhibit significant variations. Scott Weiner's book, "Tribe–State Relations in the Gulf States: A Case Comparison of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar," provides valuable insights into these variations and explains why they exist. By examining the case of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, Weiner demonstrates that variation in tribal access to limited resources before state building can account for these differences. The book is based on empirical data and over 50 interviews with former government officials, tribal leaders, civil society activists, and students, and provides valuable insights into state formation on the Arabian Peninsula.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474488167