The Banality of Power: Women’s Influence on Emirati Politics, c. 1800–present

What is it about?

This article describes how Emirati women in the past exerted far more political influence than has been previously recognized. Focusing on public displays of power frequently obscures the banality of women's everyday impact on political events. Paramount wives in this case linked families, advised rulers, maintained crucial personal networks and were instrumental in advancing the career ambitions of their royal sons. Despite their seclusion, it appears they wielded more real power than women appointed to high positions today.

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