Arabia Without Sultans by Fred Halliday

Description

“Arabia Without Sultans” is a book written by Fred Halliday, a prominent British academic, author, and international relations scholar. The book was published in 1974 and focuses on the political dynamics of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the context of the Gulf region.

In “Arabia Without Sultans,” Halliday examines the political, social, and economic changes taking place in the Gulf Arab states during the 20th century. He analyzes the transition from traditional tribal structures and colonial influences to modern nation-states with a focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman.

The title “Arabia Without Sultans” references the transformation of the region from being under the rule of sultans and traditional leaders to the establishment of more centralized and modern governance structures. The book delves into topics such as the discovery of oil, the role of external powers, the influence of tribalism, and the development of political institutions in the Gulf states.

Fred Halliday’s work is known for its in-depth analysis of international relations, Middle Eastern politics, and the complex interplay of history, culture, and politics in the region. “Arabia Without Sultans” is a significant contribution to the study of the Gulf states’ modernization and political evolution, and it remains relevant for understanding the political dynamics of the Arabian Peninsula.