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UK ties with Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf monarchies are under the spotlight as never before. Huge controversy surrounds Britain's alliances with these deeply repressive regimes, and the UK's key supporting role in the disastrous Saudi-led intervention in Yemen has lent added urgency to the debate. What lies behind the British government's decision to place politics before principles in the Gulf? Why have Anglo-Arabian relations grown even closer in recent years, despite ongoing, egregious human rights violations?
In this ground-breaking analysis, David Wearing argues that the Gulf Arab monarchies constitute the UK's most important and lucrative alliances in the global south. They are central both to the British government's ambitions to retain its status in the world system, and to its post-Brexit economic strategy. Exploring the complex and intertwined structures of UK-Gulf relations in trade and investment, arms sales and military cooperation, and energy, Wearing shines a light on the shocking lengths to which the British state has gone in order to support these regimes. As these issues continue to make the headlines, this book lifts the lid on 'AngloArabia' and what's at stake for both sides.
List of contents
Contents
Acknowledgements
Tables and Figures
Introduction
Chapter 1 (-) Empire's Legacy
Chapter 2 Oil and Gas: the Strategic and Commercial Prize
Chapter 3: British neoliberalism and Gulf capitalism: a perfect fit.
Chapter 4: How important is Gulf wealth to British capitalism?
Chapter 5: Arming Authoritarianism
Chapter 6: The Arab Uprisings and the War in Yemen
Conclusions
About the author
David Wearing is a Teaching Fellow in International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Summary
UK ties with Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf monarchies are under the spotlight as never before. Huge controversy surrounds Britain's alliances with these deeply repressive regimes, and the UK's key supporting role in the disastrous Saudi-led intervention in Yemen has lent added urgency to the debate. What lies behind the British government's decision to place politics before principles in the Gulf? Why have Anglo-Arabian relations grown even closer in recent years, despite ongoing, egregious human rights violations?
In this ground-breaking analysis, David Wearing argues that the Gulf Arab monarchies constitute the UK's most important and lucrative alliances in the global south. They are central both to the British government's ambitions to retain its status in the world system, and to its post-Brexit economic strategy. Exploring the complex and intertwined structures of UK-Gulf relations in trade and investment, arms sales and military cooperation, and energy, Wearing shines a light on the shocking lengths to which the British state has gone in order to support these regimes. As these issues continue to make the headlines, this book lifts the lid on 'AngloArabia' and what's at stake for both sides.
Report
'One of the most important interventions on British foreign policy in recent years. In light of the UK's role in the disastrous war in Yemen, Wearing's book could not be more urgent or necessary.'
Owen Jones, The Guardian
"David Wearing has done a superb job of investigating the ties that bind the United Kingdom so firmly to the oil and gas producing monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula. A well-researched, highly readable and convincing analysis."
Charles Tripp, SOAS University of London
"Well written and full of revealing information, this book explores the parameters and details of UK-Gulf relations and the role of Gulf Arab states in sustaining UK global presence."
Rosemary Hollis, City, University of London
"Essential and deeply impressive."
Morning Star
"Timely."
Brian Whitaker, former Guardian Middle East editor
"Groundbreaking."
Middle East Eye
