A probing and superbly researched analysis of Arab Gulf military forces that goes far beyond military analysis to examine the impact of their modern history, political leadership, and the character of each monarchy. Barany addresses the impact of culture, economics, tribalism, and the military's broader role in each country's strategy, as well as dependence on foreign soldiers, arms sales, and contractors. The result is key reference for understanding the military factors that shape Gulf security and stability.
Zoltan Barany is the Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Centennial Professor of Government at the University of Texas and a (non-resident) Senior Associate of the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. His books include How Armies Respond to Revolutions and Why, The Soldier and the Changing State: Building Democratic Armies in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and, as co-editor, Is Democracy Exportable? - all have been translated into Arabic.