Qaboosism in Historical Perspective: British Policy, Rule Legitimacy ...

This book presents a pioneering analysis of Oman's political landscape by examining the interaction between British policies, rule legitimacy, and popular resistance, which shaped the emergence of the Qaboos regime and culminated in "Qaboosism" as a distinct form of rule compared to other Gulf absolute monarchies, characterized by quasi-totalitarianism and a cult of personality. It argues that, despite its formal independence, Oman functioned as a de facto British protectorate, where treaty agreements and covert support ensured the consolidation of the Al Said sultans’ authority to safeguard British interests. While Qaboos sought to distance himself from his predecessor’s legacy, his rule ultimately represented a continuation of British-backed sovereignty. The book asserts that the leftist ‘Oman Revolution’ played a decisive role in shaping the regime’s security strategies and governance approach, reinforcing its preoccupation with political surveillance and information control. It further examines the mechanisms through which Qaboos consolidated power, including oil wealth distribution, elite co-optation, and the establishment of an extensive security apparatus. 

Structurally, this book is divided into four main parts. It first explores the legitimacy of rule in Oman before and after British intervention. It then examines the waves of popular resistance—initially rooted in Ibadi Imamate ideology and later influenced by Marxist thought—that sought to reclaim sovereignty from British control and its local allies. The third part investigates how and why Qaboos came to power, the consolidation of his rule, and its distinct characteristics. Finally, the book analyzes the regime’s extensive control over information and the mounting challenges it faced, culminating in the 2011 uprising. 

 By bridging historical analysis with contemporary political developments, this book provides a critical and historically grounded perspective on Oman’s modern political order, filling a significant gap in the literature on rentier absolute monarchies in the Gulf, British imperial legacies, and the enduring colonial entanglements shaping Oman’s governance. 

Mohammed Al-Fazari is an Omani researcher, journalist, and novelist based in London. He holds a PhD in Political Science and International Studies and a Master’s in Middle East Politics 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. Among his previous works are Control of Information: A Study on the Regime and Media in Oman and the novel Uncertainty. Drawing from his experience as a political activist in exile and a media and human rights advocate, Al-Fazari provides 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.