Dr Matthew Hedges, a postgraduate teaching assistant at the University of Exeter, will talk about his research, his first book, and the ordeal of being arrested and accused of espionage at King’s College London on 10 February.

Dr Hedges is the author of Reinventing the Sheikhdom; Clan, Power and Patronage in Mohammed Bin Zayed's UAE, which presents a unique and detailed insight into the domestic power dynamics supporting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.

The book acknowledges the changing nature of the UAE and identifies the regime security strategy of the Abu Dhabi ruling family through four pillars; military consolidation, digital authoritarianism, strategic economic management, and industrial control.

Matthew, who was arrested undertaking fieldwork research in the UAE in 2018, will offer his unique expertise and experience for guests, and will also take questions about his research.

The event will take place in the Council Room, Strand campus, at King’s College, from 18.00 – 19.30.

SPEAKER

Matthew Hedges is a British academic in the field of security studies and authoritarianism, with a regional specialisation on the Arabian Peninsula. His first book, Reinventing the Sheikhdom; Clan, Power and Patronage in Mohammed Bin Zayed's UAE is based upon his doctoral research at Durham University. While undertaking fieldwork research in the UAE in 2018, he was arrested, tortured and sentenced to life imprisonment on the charge of espionage on behalf of the UK Government. He is a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Exeter where he lectures on authoritarian politics.