Society and state in the Gulf and Arab Peninsula : a different perspective / Khaldoun Hasan al-Naqeeb ; translated by L.M. Kenny ; emended by Ibrahim Hayani
Published
London ; New York : Routledge and the Centre for Arab Unity Studies, 2012
1. Introduction : current writings about the region -- 2. The 'natural state' thesis of society in the Gulf and Arab Peninsula -- 3. Gulf and Arab Peninsula society in 'the grand imperial design' -- 4. The 'Pax Britannica' era and the decline of the 'natural state' economy -- 5. From rentier to authoritarian state -- 6. The authoritarian state in the Gulf and Arab Peninsula -- 7. Conclusion : the looming crisis in Gulf and Arab Peninsula society
Summary
This book is both a history and contemporary analysis. Charting the main turnpoints as the growth of cities, trade routes, the petroleum industry and growth of the authoritarian state the author argues that central bureaucratic control is limiting growth. He describes the state as governed by the interests of the ruling family who continue to block opportunities for social mobility. He is also critical of the lack of a broad, productive base in the economy, the export of capital and its effect on investment in local resources, as well as the technological dependence on the West
