Overview

The Gulf region is a distinct sub-system of the wider Middle East, including the resource-rich states of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Iran, and commands enduring relevance within the international system. This is the first textbook to provide a focused, comprehensive introduction to Gulf politics, specifically tailored for undergraduate students and newcomers to the subject. It explores the region's political landscape, covering key topics such as state formation, oil and rentierism, regime types, religion and politics, foreign policy and migration. Blending historical context with contemporary analysis, chapters by leading scholars examine the role of oil wealth, tribal structures, regional integration and merchant elites in state-building, as well as the region's strategic importance in global politics. An ideal core text for university courses on the Gulf and GCC, An Introduction to Gulf Politics is essential for understanding the complexities of power, governance and influence in one of the world's most dynamic regions.

Full Product Details

Author:   Khalid Almezaini (Zayed University) ,  Kristian Alexander (Rabdan Academy)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Weight:   0.809kg
ISBN:  

9781316515082

ISBN 10:   1316515087
Pages:   434
Publication Date:   14 May 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

Introduction Khalid Almezaini and Kristian Alexander; 1. A history of the Gulf states to the 1970s James Onley; 2. State formation in the Gulf region Rolf Schwarz; 3. Political systems and regime types in the Gulf Anoushiravan Ehteshami; 4. Oil and rentierism in the Gulf Giacomo Luciani; 5. Religion and politics in the Gulf monarchies Laurence Louër; 6. Regional integration in the Gulf Abdullah Baabood; 7. Foreign policy and International relations of the Gulf states Khalid Almezaini; 8. The politics of migration in the Gulf states Françoise De Bel-Air; 9. Conflict and wars in the Gulf Kristian Coates Ulrichsen; 10. The Arab uprisings and the Arab Gulf countries: domestic, regional and international challenges and opportunities Silvia Colombo; 11. Security in the Gulf: threat perceptions Cinzia Bianco and Kristian Alexander; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

Reviews

'A stellar group of scholars tackle some of the most essential issues and developments that shape domestic, regional and international politics in the Persian Gulf and beyond. For both students and specialists wishing to learn more about one of the world's most important regions, this is an indispensable volume.' Mehran Kamrava, Georgetown University in Qatar

Author Information

Khalid Almezaini is an associate professor of Politics and International Relations at Zayed University – Abu Dhabi. His research focuses on Gulf politics, foreign policy, foreign aid, regional dynamics, and international affairs. Previous publications include The Small Gulf States: Foreign and Security Policies before and after the Arab Spring (edited with Jean-Marc Rickli, 2016). Kristian Alexander is a Senior Fellow and Lead Researcher at the Rabdan Security and Defense Institute. His research examines security related issues in the Middle East, with a particular interest in the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Previous publications include Facets of Security in the United Arab Emirates (edited with William Guéraiche, 2022).

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