American military manual on the 1970s Gulf States, including the newly formed UAE

Nyrop, Richard F., et al. Area Handbook for the Persian Gulf States.

€ 2.000,00

First edition, first printing, of this comprehensive study prepared by Foreign Area Studies (FAS) of the American University and used by the American government to navigate the politics and customs of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, with an attempt to sketch the general characteristics of the people of each Gulf nation. Provides a "general overview of the societies", followed by chapters on their history, religion and social structure. Another chapter is devoted solely to the oil industry of the area. Included are several genealogical tables, including those of the ruling familes of the United Arab Emirates: the Al Nahyan family of Abu Dhabi, the Al Maktoum family of Dubai, and the Al Qasimi families of Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah. Illustrated with numerous maps and charts, including a folding map of the Gulf oil fields, a chart of UAE government organization as of 1976, and a map of each of the countries discussed, including a larger folding map of the UAE.

As the UAE was at the time of writing a newly formed nation, its section is among the most interesting, featuring a brief summary of the history of the Trucial States and the formation of the UAE, a summary of the new form of governance with focus on Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the work of the Federal National Council. The authors explain the "formidable" challenges facing the young nation, but conclude that the Union had "laid the groundwork for improved understanding among the amirates but also assured a leading role for Abu Dhabi" (p. 283), and go on to give an overview of each of the ruling families from each Emirate. Vast details on the economies, budgets, welfare systems, agriculture, and military development and national defense are all collected together. Includes bibliographical references (pp. 411-427) and index.

Light exterior wear, otherwise in excellent condition.