Stables, Richard (1996) Relations between Britain and Kuwait, 1957-1963. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

PDF WRAP_THESIS_Stables_1996.pdf - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (17Mb)

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

This thesis examines Anglo-Kuwaiti patron-client relations between 1957-1963
using substantial archival material from Britain and the United States. The thesis has
contributed to the literature of Anglo-Kuwaiti relations and to the theory of
international clientelism. The theoretical model was applied to both primary and
secondary source material linked to Anglo-Kuwaiti relations. This combined with a
traditional diplomatic historical approach to the thesis, produced a number of
conclusions and highlighted a number of themes that dominated Anglo-Kuwaiti
relations.
The themes that dominated the actors in this period included the increased
internationalisation of the Gulf, the importance of Kuwaiti oil and sterling deposits to
Britain, Arab nationalism and the influence of Nasser, the problem of over-flying
rights, strategic concerns, Cold War tensions, the decline in British power and the
Arab-Israeli conflict. Another important theme explored throughout the thesis is
Kuwait's emerging statehood, implemented by the al-Sabah by the joining of Kuwait to
various international organisations.
Insecurity often evoked foreseeable policy responses from the client, and many
actions of other states produced likely, if not always predictable, reactions of both
patron and client. The model of clientelism gave substance to these decisions. In the
case of the client, Kuwait, goals of internal autonomy with external security were both
expected and observed. The c1ientelist model depicted clearly Anglo-Kuwaiti relations.
The principle argument of the thesis developed from the contention that
patrons facing a decline in power in the international system use clientelism to bolster
their economic position. But a reduction in asymmetry of power with the client ensures
that the relationship declines. In the case of Britain and Kuwait, as British power
declined, its interests in Kuwait became more economic and financial than political and
strategic. In a broader context a transformation of this s011 is generally to be looked
for as a great power declines.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain D History General and Old World > DS Asia
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Kuwait -- Foreign relations -- Great Britain -- History -- 20th century, Great Britain -- Foreign relations -- Kuwait -- History -- 20th century, Patron and client
Official Date:	May 1996
Dates:	Date Event May 1996 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Politics and International Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Jones, Charles A., 1949-
Sponsors:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Extent:	xi, 286 p.
Language:	eng

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads