The Making of Contemporary Kuwait

Identity, Politics, and its Survival Strategy

Mahjoob Zweiri (Qatar University, Qatar), Sinem Cengiz

$106.95 $85.87

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Routledge
28 November 2025

Regional studies; Middle Eastern history; Society & culture: general; Politics & government; Economics

Series: Durham Modern Middle East and Islamic World Series

This book explores the contemporary history, governance, foreign policy, political economy, culture, and society of Kuwait. It highlights the dynamics of the country, putting forward both an overview of each subject covered and new research findings. It begins by providing a historical understanding of state formation and goes on to examine state structure, including the ruling monarchy, state legitimacy, and the creation of the Constitution and the National Assembly. It considers foreign policy, including the tools of diplomacy, the state’s regional and international approach, and the factors that have formed and reformed Kuwait’s strategic policy in the global arena. It assesses the economy, including rentierism, the labour market both for locals and for migrants, the class system, and the process of Kuwaitization; and it discusses Kuwaiti society and national identity, as well as investigates issues of women, civil society, youth, and the Bidoon minority. Overall, the book provides a full and detailed analysis of contemporary Kuwait and of the factors which are bringing about new developments.

Edited by: Mahjoob Zweiri (Qatar University Qatar), Sinem Cengiz
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781032563831
ISBN 10: 1032563834
Series: Durham Modern Middle East and Islamic World Series
Pages: 230
Publication Date: 28 November 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Mahjoob Zweiri is Professor in Contemporary Politics and History of the Middle East with focus on Iran and the Gulf region, and Director of the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University. Sinem Cengiz is Researcher in the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University with focus on Gulf politics and society.