Exeter Critical Gulf Series

This book re-examines the historiography of constitutional development in Kuwait. It argues that existing scholarship on the subject has several shortcomings due to the lack of consideration given to the role played by some important social forces in the Kuwaiti political scene.

Most historians working on Kuwait's modern politics have focussed on two forces: the ruling family and the merchants. Although these two actors have undeniably been the most influential, other segments of society, such as the labour force, the villagers, the intelligentsia and the religious scholars, should not be overlooked. These forces have had a decisive impact, with varying levels of influence across time, on the balance of power in Kuwait.

This book generates new insights by considering the role of these balancing forces in influencing the struggle between the sheikhs and the merchants over the nature of the political system in Kuwait between 1921 and 1962.

The Al Khalifa of Bahrain is a long-standing dynasty that has established dispute resolution measures to overcome intra-tribal ambitions for power and wealth, replacing extra-constitutional rulership succession with primogeniture. Since their control over Bahrain began in 1783 until the British withdrawal from the Gulf in 1971, the Al Khalifa introduced ten senior ruling shaykhs, seven of whom experienced turbulent successions, and faced in-house rivalries and power-seeking disputes.

This book provides valuable insights into how the Al Khalifa tribe managed to shape and maintain their patrimonial rule for over 240 years, ultimately emerging as one of the most prevailing and enduring royal families in the region today. It delves into their strategies and tactics for overcoming local contexts, external challenges, and intra-tribal rivalries.

The book is an essential read for anyone interested in the history and politics of Bahrain and the Gulf region.

From projecting ideology and influence, to maintaining a notion of 'Gulfness' through the selective exclusion or inclusion of certain beliefs, cultures and people, the notion of Gulfization is increasingly pertinent as Gulf countries occupy a greater political and economic role in wider Middle East politics.

This volume discusses the notion of Gulfization, and examines how thoughts, ideologies, way of life and practices are transmitted, changed, and transduced inside and outside the Gulf. From historical perspectives such as the impact of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution in Yemen, to studies on the contemporary projection of Salafism or hyper-nationalism in the Gulf monarchies, this book explores, contends, and critiques the transnational and regional currents that are making, and unmaking, the new Gulf Moment.

This is the first volume of the new Exeter Critical Gulf Series and is based on the 28th Gulf Conference held at the University of Exeter in 2016.

Exeter Critical Gulf Series

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3 results in Exeter Critical Gulf Series

Kuwait's Politics before Independence

Bahrain's Surviving Dynasty

Gulfization of the Arab World

Exeter Critical Gulf Series

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3 results in Exeter Critical Gulf Series

Kuwait's Politics before Independence

Bahrain's Surviving Dynasty

Gulfization of the Arab World