ABSTRACT

This is a book about the modernization of public governance and the development of strategic states. It focuses on six Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) and presents research findings from quantitative data analysis and comparative analysis of the trends and developments of the six Gulf states.

The book analyses the workings of the governments of the Gulf States, including the way that they have tackled national development since the mid 1990s. This includes how their strategies for economic diversification have been reflected in trends in revenues from "oil rents" and whether they are still rentier states or not. Evidence is presented on key topics such as government strategies and long-term strategic visions. Careful consideration is given to reputational evidence and to the strategic process capabilities of the governments: integration and coordination of government machinery, mobilizing public and private stakeholders, evaluating, and adapting – all defined as strategic process capabilities. This examination of government is also used to study their performance in strategic results areas: the economy, the natural environment, and the happiness of their citizens. The countries emerge from this analysis as far from identical in terms of capabilities or in term of performance.

part |2 pages

Part I The National Level

chapter 1|18 pages

Challenges for the Gulf States

chapter 2|18 pages

Transitions in Public Governance

chapter 3|21 pages

Contingencies and Variations

chapter 4|20 pages

Constitutions and Institutions

chapter 6|39 pages

Becoming Visionary and Strategic

chapter 7|19 pages

Governing for Results

part |2 pages

Part II The Supranational Level

chapter 8|10 pages

The Gulf Cooperation Council

part |2 pages

Part III Commentary and Conclusions

chapter 9|16 pages

Summary and Conclusions