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Reinventing the Sheikhdom: Clan, Power and Patronage in Mohammed bin Zayed's UAE
Though the Arab Spring has reverberated through the Middle East, largely leaving a path of destruction, the relative calm in the United Arab Emirates has offered a regional roadmap for stability. Domestic changes since 2000 have significantly altered the country’s dynamics, firmly cementing power within Abu Dhabi. While Khalifa bin Zayed succeeded his father as emir of Abu Dhabi and UAE president in 2004, the Emirates’ evolution has largely been accredited to Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Zayed. His reign has been characterised by the rise of the security apparatus and a micromanaged approach to governance.
Mohammed bin Zayed’s strategy of fortification has focused on pre-empting threats from the UAE’s native population, rather than from expatriates or foreign actors. As a result, he has consolidated power, distributing its administration among his tribal and kinship allies. In essence, Mohammed bin Zayed has driven modernisation in order to strengthen his grasp on power.
This book explores Mohammed bin Zayed’s regime security strategy, illustrating the network of alliances that seek to support his reign and that of his family. In an ever-turbulent region, the UAE remains critical to understanding the evolution of Middle Eastern authoritarian control.
Mohammed bin Zayed’s strategy of fortification has focused on pre-empting threats from the UAE’s native population, rather than from expatriates or foreign actors. As a result, he has consolidated power, distributing its administration among his tribal and kinship allies. In essence, Mohammed bin Zayed has driven modernisation in order to strengthen his grasp on power.
This book explores Mohammed bin Zayed’s regime security strategy, illustrating the network of alliances that seek to support his reign and that of his family. In an ever-turbulent region, the UAE remains critical to understanding the evolution of Middle Eastern authoritarian control.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
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April 9, 2023
I would have much preferred a straightforward history or economic history of the UAE, rather than this forced attempt to see everything through the lens of security/ a reaction to the Arab Spring/ something something.
Why is the UAE diversifying its economy? Because both the threat to future oil prices, and the climate transition means that it makes absolute sense for it to do so - my view.
It’s also great to see oil producers pioneering green technology through their investments.
2.5 stars - the academic style took away from the book’s readability as well.
Why is the UAE diversifying its economy? Because both the threat to future oil prices, and the climate transition means that it makes absolute sense for it to do so - my view.
It’s also great to see oil producers pioneering green technology through their investments.
2.5 stars - the academic style took away from the book’s readability as well.
Displaying 1 of 1 review