Kuwait and Al-Sabah

Reviews / Votes

This is the definitive political history of Kuwait. Rivka Azoulay examines its experiences within the context of political change in traditional societies and centre periphery relations. It is an excellent work and essential reading for those interested in the history of Arabia and the Gulf. A magnificent volume that connects past and present to provide one of the most comprehensive books on Kuwaiti politics to date. Rivka Azoulay's book combines ethnographic finesse with a deep grasp of Gulf historical sociology. It is, by some margin, the best piece of work on the political sociology of GCC elites. Its historical range is impressive and theoretical insights about how the Kuwaiti rentier state allies with and reshapes social groups are unique, adding a dimension of identity politics to Gulf political economy that has long been missing. In this excellent political history, Rivka Azoulay provides a compelling explanation of the complex political dynamics between the various constituent elements of Kuwaiti society, as well as how and why the country has survived until today. What emerges is a nuanced analysis of the relationships between the Al Sabah dynasty, the tribes, the Shia and the families of urban notables. There is no better or more up-to-date study on Kuwait's history and politics. The book presents a compelling argument for the importance of center-periphery relations in understanding Kuwait's political dynamics. The icing on the cake is Azoulay's nuanced and timely examination of Kuwait's cycles of political paralysis from the 2000s, which provides valuable context for the country's current challenges. * Bustan: The Middle East Book Review *