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Thani family to cooperate with Western powers. In general, the Al-Thanis have favored
support from Western nations over other regional powers, such as the Ottomans and
Saudis. Unlike other regimes in the region, where internal networks of power provided a
check on royal authority and its foreign entanglements, Qatar has comfortably aligned
itself with Western powers without serious internal opposition. Next, it is important to
recognize that Qatar has maintained a marginal or subordinate position in regional
politics, allowing the royal family to develop within a relatively isolated environment
compared to the elites of neighboring countries. Finally, the lack of meaningful historical
roots (or the appearance thereof) leads the royal family to seek innovative strategies to
legitimize its authority. Additionally, this lack of strong roots does not wed the ruling
elites to any particular style of governance since it is built on such a diffuse and
unorganized social network. These trends provide the context for Qatar’s current global
position.
Qatar Today and Transparency
While Qatar was once unique in its insignificance, it is today significant in its
uniqueness. In some ways, Qatar conforms to the pattern of other small, GCC states.
However, in light of its historical context and amplified position within regional and
global politics, Qatar stands out. In comparison to one of its closest neighbors, Saudi
Arabia, the relative wealth of Qatar is evident. The difference between Saudi Arabia and
Qatar, characterized by an enormous population and land advantage for the prior and
overall development advantage for the latter, may best be explained as a function of size.
Convention