From Sheikhs to Sultanism: Statecraft and Authority in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

by Christopher M. Davidson

Muhammad bin Salman Al-Saud and Muhammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the respective princely strongmen of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have torn up the old rules. They have spurred game-changing economic master plans, presided over vast anti-corruption crackdowns, tackled entrenched religious forces, and overseen the mass arrest of critics. In parallel, they also appear to have replaced the old 'sheikhly' consensus systems of their predecessors with something more autocratic, more personalistic, and perhaps even analytically distinct.

These are the two wealthiest and most populous Gulf monarchies, and increasingly important global powers--Saudi Arabia is a G20 member, and the UAE will be the host of the World Expo in 2021-2022. Such sweeping changes to their statecraft and authority structures could well end up having a direct impact, for better or worse, on policies, economies and individual lives all around the world.

Christopher M. Davidson tests the hypothesis that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now effectively contemporary or even 'advanced' sultanates, and situates these influential states within an international model of autocratic authoritarianism. Drawing on a range of primary sources, including new interviews and surveys, From Sheikhs to Sultanism puts forward an original, empirically grounded interpretation of the rise of both MBS and MBZ.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2021

Reviews

[Ahmed Riz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book on the two most powerful Gulf crown princes. Covering economic and political policies, warmaking and even their treatment of renegade princes. Brilliantly researched with masses of references. 10 stars if possible.

[Jeffre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitive account of the rise of two of the most controversial Arab 21st Century authoritarian rulers. The writer has a mostly non-European perspective appreciating the 'bargain' these men have struck with most of their people, with social liberal reforms appealing to the youth and women, at the expense of the hardline conservatives. 500 pages with interviews and substantial bibliography, which I appreciated and will keep going to back to. Good comparisons with other current authoritarian regimes in Asia and other parts, and previous European absolutist kingdoms and central American dictators.