The Future of the Gulf Region: Value Change and Global Cycles

This book explores the values and attitudes in the Gulf region, analyzing the global macro-factors shaping their future in light of global power shifts, the collapse of internal security in the West, and the uncertainty about the current leadership vacuum in world society. It offers a multivariate analysis of civil society values and suggests that the Gulf's future is with the free societies of the West rather than with a Neo-Ottoman Empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 449 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate examination of values and attitudes within the Gulf region, particularly in the context of recent global power shifts, the potential collapse of internal security in the West, and the uncertainty surrounding the current leadership vacuum in world society. As such, it explores a potential future role of the Gulf countries in prestigious institutions such as the G-20 and the OECD. Drawing upon rigorous analysis of macro-level data and opinion surveys tailored to the Gulf region, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the global macro-factors shaping the Gulf's future, particularly in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 crisis, economic depression, and escalating global tensions.

The book begins by embarking on an empirical exploration of the long cycles of global politics and economics, shedding light on their implications for the Gulf region. It then proceeds to conduct a multivariate analysis of civil society values in the Gulf, examining changes in values and attitudes related to antisemitism, political Islam, internal security, democracy, and other critical issues of Arab politics.

The study's findings offer a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on the Gulf's civil society. While acknowledging certain challenges and complexities, the author concludes with a partially optimistic tone, emphasizing the underestimated and incipient maturity of the Gulf's civil society. This conclusion underscores the potential for the Gulf region to align itself with the free societies of the West rather than with a Neo-Ottoman Empire, regardless of its form.

In terms of scope, this book stands out as an exceptional and timely contribution to the field. It provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the values and attitudes shaping the Gulf region, offering valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the region's complex dynamics and its potential future trajectory.

The author, Brian M. Pollins, is an esteemed Associate Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, with extensive expertise in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His extensive research and analysis have contributed significantly to our understanding of the region's political, social, and economic developments.

Professor Hussein Solomon, Academic Head of Department, Political Studies and Governance, University of the Free State, South Africa, praises the book as an outstanding and topical contribution to the field. He commends the author's astute scholarship and insightful analysis, stating that the book is an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and policymakers alike.

Manfred B. Steger, Professor of Sociology at the University of Hawai i at Manoa and Global Professorial Fellow at Western Sydney University, also commends the book as the most comprehensive and insightful study on the subject to date. He praises the author's meticulous research and comprehensive coverage, stating that the book offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the Gulf region and its role in the global landscape.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the values and attitudes within the Gulf region, particularly in the context of the ongoing global transformations. Through rigorous analysis and insightful perspectives, it provides valuable insights into the potential future role of the Gulf countries and the challenges and opportunities they face. The book's exceptional scope and timely coverage make it an invaluable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in the region's development and its impact on the world.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030783013
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021