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A new and provocative argument about monarchism in the Middle East.
Michael Herb proposes a new paradigm for understanding politics in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. He critiques the theory of the rentier state and argues that we must put political institutions-and specifically monarchism-at the center of any explanation of Gulf politics. All in the Family provides a compelling and fresh analysis of the importance of monarchism in the region, and points out the crucial role of the ruling families in creating monarchal regimes. It addresses the issue of democratization in the Middle Eastern monarchies, arguing that the prospects for the gradual emergence of constitutional monarchy are better than is often thought.
"One of the most insightful and important contributions of the book lies in its well-articulated critique of the (simplistic) 'rentier state' theory, which attributes the resilience of Gulf regimes to their oil wealth and consequent ability to buy off the opposition. Such a critique is long overdue. The author's arguments and evidence to challenge the rentier theory should by themselves ensure that this book will receive much attention."— Guilain Denoeux, Colby College
"…provocative and insightful …" — Middle East Policy
"…a well-written, concise analysis of Middle Eastern monarchies … deserves serious attention from scholars and policy makers interested in the Middle East or the stability of authoritarian states more generally." — Political Science Quarterly
Figures, Tables, and Charts
Acknowledgments
A Note on Titles, Names, and Conventions
1. Introduction
Explanations for Revolution
Dynastic Monarchy
Rentier Income
The Educated (or New) Middle Class
Political Participation and Revolution
The Scope of the Study, Theoretic Approach, and the Cases Examined
2. The Emergence of Dynastic Monarchy and the Causes of Its Persistence
The Rise of the Arabian Dynasties
Norms within the Ruling Families
Marriage and Dynastic Monarchism
Consultation and the Mediation of Dynastic Rule
The Resolution of Disputes within the Dynasties
Conclusion
3. Arabian Society and the Emergence of the Petro-State
Ascriptive Status in Arabia
Elite Clans
The Merchants
The Rise of the Educated Middle Class
The Relative Decline of the Bedouin
Foreigners
Conclusion
4. The Dynasties: The Al Sabah and the Al Saud
The Al Sabah
The Al Saud
5. The Dynasties: The Al Thani, Al Khalifa, Al Nahayan, Al Maktum, and Al Said
The Al Thani of Qatar
The Al Khalifa of Bahrain
A Note on the Emirates
The Al Nahayan of Abu Dhabi
The Al Maktum of Dubai
The Al Said of Oman
Variations in the Capture of the Petro-States by the Dynasties
6. Strategies of Regime and Opposition in the Dynastic Monarchies
Kuwait
Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Qatar
The Emirates
Oman
Conclusion
7. Libya and Afghanistan
Libya
Afghanistan
Conclusion
8. Five Nondynastic Monarchies
Egypt
Iraq
Iran
Morocco
Jordan
Conclusion
9. Dynastic Monarchism and the Persistence of Hereditary Rule
Dynastic Monarchy
Other Explanations
Education
Rentierism, Revolution, and Resilience
Opposition
The Composition of the Military
Tribe and Kin as Inclusionary Political Institutions
Foreign Powers
Parliaments
Statecraft
The Lessons of the Dynastic Monarchies
10. The Theory of the Rentier State and Constitutional Monarchy in the Middle East
The Theory of the Rentier State
When Parliamentary Liberalizations Succeed
The Flexibility of Monarchical Institutions in Accommodating Democratic Compromises
The Absolutisms and Western Policy
Monarchy and Political Development
Notes
Bibliography
Index