Oil and Politics in the Gulf: Rulers and Merchants in Kuwait and Qatar by Jill Crystal

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Oil and Politics in the Gulf: Rulers and Merchants in Kuwait and Qatarby Jill Crystal

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Jill Crystal uses Kuwait and Qatar as case studies in state formation and development, with a particular emphasis on the impact of oil revenues. The relationships between ruling families and merchants is laid out and contrasted in the two countries, with the differences and the impact they have had on the two countries very stark. Of particular note is that given the lack of primary sources available on Qatar, this book is one of the very few reliable histories of the country available. More importantly, the book is an excellent look at how two different pre-existing societies were transformed by oil, how various elites tried to capture the revenues, and the problems and successes that a new state faces as a result. A must-read for those wishing to better understand the Persian Gulf region and the development of rentier states in general.