This book explores, in a series of detailed
case studies, how public policy is actually made in Qatar. While Qatar is a
Gulf monarchy, its governance is complex. Other analysts have tried to come to
grips with this complexity using qualified descriptions of the system such as 'late rentier,' 'pluralized autocracy,' 'tribal democracy,' or 'soft
authoritarian.' The authors of the volume use the lens of a transformative state. Qatar is deliberately
engaged in a rapid process of radical economic and societal transformation.
That process has its contradictions and tensions, particularly with regards to
achieving a balance between Islam, social traditions, and modernity.  This book explores how it also has a specific policy dynamic of generating ideas and institutions,
developing policy and program designs, implementation and coordination.