Insightfully ... the book presents a historical, conceptual and digital understanding of tribal mechanisms in these states and represents an outstanding contribution to Gulf studies.

International Affairs

This book is essential for a meaningful understanding of the prevailing political, social and economic conditions of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. An admirable contribution to the literature that will stand the test of time.

Hossein G. Askari, Iran Professor of International Business and International Affairs, The George Washington University, USA

A richly nuanced study of the changing relations of tribe and state in the Arabian Peninsula. The authors pose a fresh challenge to the prominent notion that the rentier state has significantly limited the role of independent actors, and especially tribes, in contributing to national identity formation in the Gulf region. A most welcome contribution that will attract the interest of scholars working across the social sciences.

Philip S. Khoury, Ford International Professor of History, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Concentrating on the impact of tribes in the three Gulf states with high income and small national populations, Freer and Alsharekh ably explain tribal importance in badu identity, electoral politics, and their continuing sociopolitical role

J.E. Peterson, historian and political analyst