Middle Eastern Monarchies: Ingroup Identity and Foreign Policy Making

The book explores the dynamics of ingroup identity in the foreign policy-making of Middle Eastern monarchies, combining Foreign Policy Analysis and Social Identity Theory to theorize the origins and inner workings of a monarchic peace. It argues that monarchies do not wage war against each other because they recognize each other as members of the same ingroup, allowing for other mechanisms of conflict resolution. The theory is illustrated with case studies of monarchic interstate conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The monograph delves into the intricate dynamics of ingroup identity in the foreign policy-making of Middle Eastern monarchies,spanning from the aftermath of the World Wars to the present day. By employing an innovative theoretical framework that amalgamates Foreign Policy Analysis within the context of authoritarian regimes and Social Identity Theory, the book endeavors to theorize the origins and inner workings of a monarchic peace among hereditary regimes in the Middle East, encompassing the Gulf monarchies, as well as Jordan and Morocco.

While the concept of the democratic peace has firmly established itself in the realm of political science, this book contends that, akin to the examined monarchic peace, it represents a sub-case of a broader Similar Political Systems Peace (SPSP). The theory posits that monarchies refrain from engaging in warfare against each other because they perceive each other as members of the same ingroup, thereby enabling the use of alternative conflict resolution mechanisms that may be prohibited against outsiders but allowed within the confines of the same club or family. To illustrate this theory, numerous case studies are presented, offering a comprehensive examination of regional dynamics as well as four pivotal cases of monarchic interstate conflict: Bahraini-Qatari relations, the Saudi-Hashemite rivalry, the relations between Kuwait and Iraq, and Iran, as well as the UAE.

This comprehensive exploration of the foreign policies and communities of Middle Eastern monarchies will be of immense interest to scholars and enthusiasts of international relations, authoritarianism studies, Middle East and Persian Gulf politics.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367516451