This book examines the outcomes and impact of the interaction between three factors: British foreign policy, political legitimacy, and popular resistance in Oman, and how these factors contributed to the emergence and shaping of the Qaboos regime . This book argues that, despite its formal independence, Oman functioned as a de-facto British protectorate, consolidated through treaty agreements and covert support. Although there were various potential political outcomes at the onset of Sultan Qaboos rule, British policy favoured absolute individual authority aligned with their economic and strategic interests. Despite Qaboos's attempts to distance himself from his predecessor, in effect he was merely a new link in the chain of British imperial sovereignty. The ramifications of the leftist 'Oman Revolution' significantly shaped the regime's subsequent attitude to information control and security. This quasi-totalitarian approach, marked by a cult of personality imposed on the Omani populace, also distinguishes the Qaboos regime from other Gulf states. This study thus sheds light on the multifaceted historical relationship between Oman and Britain, examining the complex dynamics which culminated in Qaboosism .

Autorentext

Mohammed Al-Fazari is an Omani researcher, novelist, and journalist based in London. He holds a PhD in Political Science and International Studies from SOAS University of London. Al-Fazari is the CEO and editor-in-chief of the London-based Muwatin Media Network, a leading independent media NGO covering Gulf affairs beyond the red lines. Drawing on his experience as a political activist in exile and as a media and human rights advocate, which led him to found the civic Ana Muwatin Movement, Al-Fazari offers unique insights into Omani and Gulf politics, establishing himself as a leading voice in the field. His academic work is shaped by both his lived experience and his commitment to critically examining power structures in the Gulf region.

Inhalt

INTRODUCTION.- PART 1: OMAN: BEFORE AND AFTER BRITISH IMPERIAL HEGEMONY.- CHAPTER I: OMAN S PRE-BRITISH SOCIAL AND POLITICAL STRUCTURES.- CHAPTER 2: BRITISH HEGEMONIC PENETRATION AND IMPOSITION OF IMPERIAL SOVEREIGNTY.- PART 2: ATTEMPTS TO RESTORE OMANI SOVEREIGNTY.- CHAPTER 3: TRADITIONAL IMAMATE LEGITIMACY: LEGITIMACY OF RELIGION AND TRIBE.- CHAPTER 4: REVOLUTIONARY LEGITIMACY BUILDING: THE DREAM OF THE LEFT TIDE.- PART 3: THE QABOOS REGIME: FORMATION AND POLITICAL NATURE.- CHAPTER 5: PERSISTENCE OF DOMINATION: A NEW LINK IN THE CHAIN OF IMPERIAL SOVEREIGNTY.- CHAPTER 6: ANALYSING THE QABOOS REGIME: THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOCRATIC RULE.- CHAPTER 7: THE DEMOCRACY PARADOX: UNDERSTANDING OMAN S EXTREME ABSOLUTISM.- PART 4: CHALLENGING THE REGIME S CONTROL: CONFRONTING QABOOSISM.- CHAPTER 8: CONTROLLING INFORMATION AND CIVIL SOCIETY: TOOLS AND CONSEQUENCES.- CHAPTER 9: THE 2011 OMANI UPRISING: DREAMS OF A CITIZENSHIP STATE.- CHAPTER X: INDEPENDENT MEDIA OUTLETS: CHALLENGES AND OUTCOMES.- Conclusion.- Appendices.- Bibliography.- Index.