What do you think?
Rate this book
Qatar: Small State, Big Politics
The Persian Gulf state of Qatar has fewer than 2 million inhabitants, virtually no potable water, and has been an independent nation only since 1971. Yet its enormous oil and gas wealth has permitted the ruling al Thani family to exert a disproportionately large influence on regional and even international politics. Qatar is, as Mehran Kamrava explains in this knowledgeable and incisive account of the emirate, a "tiny giant": although severely lacking in most measures of state power, it is highly influential in diplomatic, cultural, and economic spheres. Kamrava presents Qatar as an experimental country, building a new society while exerting what he calls "subtle power." It is both the headquarters of the global media network Al Jazeera and the site of the U.S. Central Command’s Forward Headquarters and the Combined Air Operations Center. Qatar has been a major player during the European financial crisis, it has become a showplace for renowned architects, several U.S. universities have established campuses there, and it will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Qatar’s effective use of its subtle power, Kamrava argues, challenges how we understand the role of small states in the global system. Given the Gulf state’s outsized influence on regional and international affairs, this book is a critical and timely account of contemporary Qatari politics and society.
232 pages, Hardcover
First published June 27, 2013
26 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 5, 2018
An important, 2013-published book to better understand the ambitious and assertive foreign policy of the Gulf's small country, Qatar. Particularly the balancing policy of the Sheikhdom between Saudi Arabia, the US and Iran is well evaluated. However lacks future projections regarding the post-oil era of the country. Also it should be noted that, the book was published before the rule was handed to new Emir, Sheikh Tamim.
September 14, 2021
This is a thorough analysis of Qatar as an international power. I was hoping for something a bit more basic about the history, politics, culture and current attitudes of Qatar. I did learn much from this book, but just as much went over my head.
July 29, 2014
A very interesting book about a country not often discussed in American news. I found it very thorough and well researched, and the information presented is easy to digest for readers with little or no experience researching Qatar or the rising countries of the Middle East. Kamrava, a Georgetown professor, did an excellent job presenting an unbiased glimpse at Qatar; how they are becoming more powerful but also have difficulties in the development of their nation, and how they have formed alliances with countries such as America and Iran. I've never considered visiting Qatar but this book shows that it could be a worthwhile experience. This book would also be great for students of politics, government, etc. because the author explains in detail the composition of the Qatari government and society.
July 7, 2021
Menarik untuk kita selak bagaimana Qatar membina, menyusun dan menggerakkan kuasa halus serta rapi dengan mengoptimumkan limpahan minyak dan gas yang dimilikinya dalam membentuk ‘kuasa baharu’ di rantau Timur Tengah & Afrika Utara (MENA) atau Asia Barat.
Ada dua sisi yang patut diberikan perhatian, iaitu pertama, bagaimana Raja Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani membawa Qatar ke arah negara modenisme tinggi dan kedua, bagaimana Qatar memposisikannya dalam geopolitik yang sangat kompleks.
Ada dua sisi yang patut diberikan perhatian, iaitu pertama, bagaimana Raja Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani membawa Qatar ke arah negara modenisme tinggi dan kedua, bagaimana Qatar memposisikannya dalam geopolitik yang sangat kompleks.
April 28, 2014
I think that I would recommend those who do not know anything about Qatar to read this book.
The author managed to discuss number of interesting issues about Qatar's 'international and domestic role through the use of "subtle power" .
The author managed to discuss number of interesting issues about Qatar's 'international and domestic role through the use of "subtle power" .
October 8, 2020
Qatar: Small State, Big Politics by Mehran Kamrava is a study if Qatar and how it rose to prominence in today's world. Kamrava is Professor and Director of the Center for International and Regional Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Qatar. He is the author of eight books and numerous journal articles. Kamrava holds a PhD from Cambridge University in Social and Political Sciences.
Qatar is a small country that most Americans would be hard pressed to tell you much about; perhaps that is something Qatar counts on. It is a country that would make Machiavelli proud. Qatar depends on the United States' security umbrella and the two major US bases for protection, but at the same time enjoys friendly relations with Iran and regional Islamists. It is also sandwiched between two major powers in the region Iran and Saudi Arabia and must rely on being smart because it does not have the military to be a hard power.
Instead of spending on the military Qatar develops its infrastructure. From universities, desalinization plants, luxury residences, and a modern society, Qatar has built an unique country in the Middle East. It's capital, a dusty fishing village in the 1930s, is now a modern growing city, out classing many western cities. The government's social net is huge and supported by large oil and natural gas reserves and smart investments by the government. Qatar owns 10% of Porsche, and percentages of Tiffany's, the London Stock Exchange, the Nordic Stock Exchange, and also went on a buying spree during the banking collapse. Smart government also budgets well under the expect price of oil and gas. Qatar has managed to separate itself from the usual single commodity economy of many oil nations.
Smart government has spared Qatar from civil unrest experienced in other Arab countries. Qatar supported the rebels against Qaddafi. A member of the ruling family is quoted as saying “We believe in democracy, We believe in freedom,we believe in dialogue, and we believe in that for the entire region...” Surprising words from a monarchy. The Shia minority is integrated into the society and there is seemingly no friction between the Shia and Sunni majority. To further reduce friction religious Qatar does not use contract or migrant workers from other Muslim countries, instead preferring to use South Asians workers.
Qatar is a very interesting study in small nation power in world affairs. I cannot think of a small country that has had so much wealth and power on the world stage since 17th century Netherlands. It has broken the role of a minor player by making smart moves that further its interests without damaging the interests of other nations. Kamrava explains many more aspects of Qatar than what I have mentioned. Qatar is quiet in its policy. It does not create waves; it says what seems to be right. It is the richest country in the world and at the same time under the radar. Qatar is an excellent study in modern history, foreign policy, and development. Highly recommended
Qatar is a small country that most Americans would be hard pressed to tell you much about; perhaps that is something Qatar counts on. It is a country that would make Machiavelli proud. Qatar depends on the United States' security umbrella and the two major US bases for protection, but at the same time enjoys friendly relations with Iran and regional Islamists. It is also sandwiched between two major powers in the region Iran and Saudi Arabia and must rely on being smart because it does not have the military to be a hard power.
Instead of spending on the military Qatar develops its infrastructure. From universities, desalinization plants, luxury residences, and a modern society, Qatar has built an unique country in the Middle East. It's capital, a dusty fishing village in the 1930s, is now a modern growing city, out classing many western cities. The government's social net is huge and supported by large oil and natural gas reserves and smart investments by the government. Qatar owns 10% of Porsche, and percentages of Tiffany's, the London Stock Exchange, the Nordic Stock Exchange, and also went on a buying spree during the banking collapse. Smart government also budgets well under the expect price of oil and gas. Qatar has managed to separate itself from the usual single commodity economy of many oil nations.
Smart government has spared Qatar from civil unrest experienced in other Arab countries. Qatar supported the rebels against Qaddafi. A member of the ruling family is quoted as saying “We believe in democracy, We believe in freedom,we believe in dialogue, and we believe in that for the entire region...” Surprising words from a monarchy. The Shia minority is integrated into the society and there is seemingly no friction between the Shia and Sunni majority. To further reduce friction religious Qatar does not use contract or migrant workers from other Muslim countries, instead preferring to use South Asians workers.
Qatar is a very interesting study in small nation power in world affairs. I cannot think of a small country that has had so much wealth and power on the world stage since 17th century Netherlands. It has broken the role of a minor player by making smart moves that further its interests without damaging the interests of other nations. Kamrava explains many more aspects of Qatar than what I have mentioned. Qatar is quiet in its policy. It does not create waves; it says what seems to be right. It is the richest country in the world and at the same time under the radar. Qatar is an excellent study in modern history, foreign policy, and development. Highly recommended
October 22, 2024
Impian Qatar mahu menjadi pemimpin serantau. Sebagaimana dulu Jamal di Mesir dan Asad di Syria.
Pengarang menjelaskan dengan kekayaan yang ada mereka guna sebaik mungkin lalu terhasil kuasa halus (subtle power). Sebelum ini ada kuasa keras, kuasa lunak dan kuasa pintar hasil gabungan keras dan lunak.
Pengarang menjelaskan dengan kekayaan yang ada mereka guna sebaik mungkin lalu terhasil kuasa halus (subtle power). Sebelum ini ada kuasa keras, kuasa lunak dan kuasa pintar hasil gabungan keras dan lunak.
January 12, 2025
Very interesting and challenges healthy debate and thought.
August 9, 2013
Academic study of the small Arab state in the Persian Gulf, with a population under two million (but over five million guest workers from South Asia), which appears to have had a disproportionate influence on politics in the region.
This work explores the hypothesis that a small state without hard military power can nevertheless influence agendas by the use of "subtle power". The effectiveness of having few layers of government is commended but the weaknesses are also considered: decisions may be taken hastily without sufficient expertise available for due consideration. There is an extensive bibliography. Since the work was written, the Emir has abdicated so there could be a new direction for Qatar in the years to come.
I received an advance review copy from the publisher. It can be difficult to write in a second language. There were many cases of unidiomatic words and phrases (I counted seventy before I got bored counting). The writing is irritating but mostly intelligible. This can cause confusion: I thought "embeddedness" was just another typo but it turned out to be a term of art.
This work explores the hypothesis that a small state without hard military power can nevertheless influence agendas by the use of "subtle power". The effectiveness of having few layers of government is commended but the weaknesses are also considered: decisions may be taken hastily without sufficient expertise available for due consideration. There is an extensive bibliography. Since the work was written, the Emir has abdicated so there could be a new direction for Qatar in the years to come.
I received an advance review copy from the publisher. It can be difficult to write in a second language. There were many cases of unidiomatic words and phrases (I counted seventy before I got bored counting). The writing is irritating but mostly intelligible. This can cause confusion: I thought "embeddedness" was just another typo but it turned out to be a term of art.
March 23, 2023
The reason i bought this book on kindle is due to the lack of books available on Qatar. With the Fifa world cup around the corner and Qatar's presence in international politics got my interest to read about the country. I am glad that i spend minimum on the kindle copy rather than buying the book, the reason being: this book is a disappointment. I am surprised as to the rating it got here or maybe the style of writing is not my cup of tea. It is a drag, boring and highly repetitive every few pages. Little information is highlighted on the history of the state and the ruling family and more repetition on what we already have an idea on the Qatari state. For an example, let me share a paragraph from the second chapter in the book:
"Qatar’s emergence as a significant player in regional and international politics is facilitated through a combination of several factors, chief among which are a very cohesive and focused vision of the country’s foreign policy objectives and its desired international position and profile among the ruling elite, equally streamlined and agile decision-making processes, immense financial resources at the hands of the state, and the state’s autonomy in the international arena to pursue foreign policy objectives."
This is what is repeated again and again after every few pages throwing in different scholars and their definition on power, nation-building, politics etc. In my honest opinion, its a pass for me!
Peace.
"Qatar’s emergence as a significant player in regional and international politics is facilitated through a combination of several factors, chief among which are a very cohesive and focused vision of the country’s foreign policy objectives and its desired international position and profile among the ruling elite, equally streamlined and agile decision-making processes, immense financial resources at the hands of the state, and the state’s autonomy in the international arena to pursue foreign policy objectives."
This is what is repeated again and again after every few pages throwing in different scholars and their definition on power, nation-building, politics etc. In my honest opinion, its a pass for me!
Peace.
February 4, 2014
With a small population on the tip of the Arabian peninsula, Qatar exerts influence well beyond its size and geography. It is the world's richest country, per capita, with sophisticated leadership. Kamrava makes the case that Qatar is capable of maintaining its leadership through "subtle" power. Considering that much of its power is derived for a virtually limitless supply of natural gas, it is not really the case that Qatar's influence is "subtle".
The perpetuation of its influence is dependent on the ability of the new emir to balance Qatar's influence to assure that it makes no strong enemies and is seen to be of value to countries with competing interests. Kamrava believes that this is likely to be the case.
Qatar is interesting in that it seeks to modernize while maintaining it traditions. It will be interesting to see how it progresses.
Note to reader: this book seems to have been derived from some sort of thesis paper and sometimes reads like a dissertation.
The perpetuation of its influence is dependent on the ability of the new emir to balance Qatar's influence to assure that it makes no strong enemies and is seen to be of value to countries with competing interests. Kamrava believes that this is likely to be the case.
Qatar is interesting in that it seeks to modernize while maintaining it traditions. It will be interesting to see how it progresses.
Note to reader: this book seems to have been derived from some sort of thesis paper and sometimes reads like a dissertation.
November 27, 2015
Although, in the first place, I was looking for an easy introduction to Qatar's social and political structure s, in 'Qatar: Small State, Big Politics' I found an extensive work of political science with it's roots in Qatar's developments during the last decades. And I have to say that - even to laymen - the book is clearly structured and understandable. And according to the described vision of the Emir(s), and the restructuring of society and the political system, I have to say that the Qatari government has an interesting and intelligent approach in embracing 'high modernity' while also adhearing to the traditions of the local populace (Qatari citizens). At the same time, the author also points out many points of friction and implemented solutions on the state's foreign and domestic policies. A good read indeed.
August 23, 2013
Book very interesting to me since I did not know practically nothing of this small country, with an even smaller population, which is a strategic assett and that in 2022 will be hosting the World Cup.
The only flaw is that the professor who wrote it was not native English speakers (I suppose), and if I realized it......
Libro per me molto interessante considerato che non sapevo praticamente niente di questo piccolo paese, con un'ancora piú piccola popolazione, che é un assett strategico e che nel 2022 ospiterá i mondiali di calcio.
Unica pecca, il professore che l'ha scritto non era madrelingua inglese (credo), e se me ne sono accorta io.....
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND CORNELL UNIVERSITY PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
The only flaw is that the professor who wrote it was not native English speakers (I suppose), and if I realized it......
Libro per me molto interessante considerato che non sapevo praticamente niente di questo piccolo paese, con un'ancora piú piccola popolazione, che é un assett strategico e che nel 2022 ospiterá i mondiali di calcio.
Unica pecca, il professore che l'ha scritto non era madrelingua inglese (credo), e se me ne sono accorta io.....
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND CORNELL UNIVERSITY PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
July 20, 2014
A very thorough description of the foreign policy of Qatar until the summer of 2013. Does not capture the takeover by emir Tamim though, but presents the reader with concepts like "subtle power" and hyper diplomacy" to explain how Qatar´s influence increased in the region. I would recommend the book to anyone wondering why and how Qatar managed to become such an important regional actor in the Persian Gulf and in the Middle East.
Read
October 28, 2017read
October 12, 2018
Good to read if you are studying the region or visiting. Written in an accessible way.
March 4, 2019
Decent. This is written as an academic book, not really meant to be casual reading.
Read
October 28, 2017i want to read
Read
May 1, 2019how did this book get such high ratings? perhaps its read by people with no background in GCC and ME politics/history? I dont know, however, I do know that this already small book could have been made even shorter because the first, I dont know, SIX CHAPTERS (the entire book) go round and round AND ROUND the same idea. UGH, HIS MIND, SO POWERFUL. I mean it was okay but i had to study it for my final and the fact that it JUST. KEPT.REPEATING THE SAME IDEAS UGHGHFJgjdvf. This book couldve been a paper. xoxo gossip girl.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews