Introduction

Abstract

Abstract This introductory chapter sets out the book’s theoretical framing, first delving into previous political science work that has focused primarily on organs of the state, particularly the ruling family, and then introducing a new focus on the ideologies and ascriptive identities that mobilize Kuwaiti voters. It also introduces debates to be addressed throughout the book, such as whether ideology or ascriptive identity are key mobilizing factors, whether the state exists as a unitary actor in Kuwait, and the extent to which the description of Kuwait as housing a hybrid regime is appropriate. The chapter also outlines the methodology used for this study and the structure of the book.