Britain and the formation of the Gulf States: Embers of empire (Studies in Imperialism, 139)

This book is about the end of the British Empire in the Middle East. It offers new insight into the relationship that was nurtured between Britain and the Gulf rulers at the height of the empire and how this has influenced the structure of international society today. Over the last four decades the Persian Gulf region has gone through oil shocks, wars and political changes but the basic entities of the southern Gulf States have largely remained in place. Historically, nine separate states had stood in parallel to each other under British influence. At various points, plans were discussed to amalgamate the nine into one, two, three or even four separate entities. The eventual emergence of the smaller but prosperous members such as Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates was not at all evident until 1971. How did such a resilient system arise, given such seemingly contested societies? Drawing on extensive multi-archival research in the British, American and Gulf archives, Britain and the formation of the Gulf States considers the factors that drove the formation of these three new states we see today. It illuminates a series of negotiations between British diplomats and the Gulf rulers that inadvertently led these states to take their current shapes and addresses the crucial issue of self-determination versus 'better together'. This book will be of interest not only to students and scholars of the British Empire or the Middle East but also to those with a broader interest in the transformation of the modern world. -- Amazon.com This book offers new insight into the end of the British Empire in the Middle East. It takes a fresh look at the relationship between Britain and the Gulf rulers at the height of the British Empire, and how its effects are still felt internationally today. Over the last four decades, the Persian Gulf region has gone through oil shocks, wars and political changes, and yet the basic entities of the southern Gulf states have remained largely in place. How did this resilient system come about for such seemingly contested societies? Drawing on extensive multi-archival research in the British, American and Gulf archives, this book illuminates a series of negotiations between British diplomats and the Gulf rulers that inadvertently led Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE to take their current shapes. The story addresses the crucial question of self-determination versus 'better together', a dilemma pertinent to anyone interested in the transformation of the modern world. This Volume Offers New Insight Into The End Of The British Empire In The Middle East. It Takes A Fresh Look At The Relationship Between Britain And The Gulf Rulers At The Height Of The British Empire, And How Its Effects Are Still Felt Internationally Today. Introduction -- 'pirates Turned Sovereign States, 1819-1964 -- Labour's Clinging On To The Gulf, 1964-67 -- Jenkins And The Withdrawal Decision, 1968 -- Dilemmas And Delay, 1968-70 -- The 'secret' Agreement, July 1971 -- Formal Sovereignty And Continuing Collaboration, 1972 -- Conclusion. Shohei Sato. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 147-158) And Index.