Gulf Futures

The Blackmail Doctrine: Trump, Israel, And The Arab Compliance + PODCAST REVIEW

“The Blackmail Doctrine” offers a comprehensive analysis of Donald Trump’s coercive relationship with Arab leaders, delving into his strategy of intimidation and financial coercion to secure compliance and advance his political agenda in the Middle East, while also outlining possible future scenarios shaped by his influence.

Author: Philippe Bernard

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Global East-West (London)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 20, 2025

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages

The book examines Donald Trump’s coercive approach toward Arab leaders, leveraging bullying tactics and financial blackmail to secure political and economic compliance. By exploiting their reliance on U.S. military backing, Trump threatened Gulf states—such as claiming Saudi Arabia’s survival depended on American protection—while demanding billions in financial pledges to retain U.S. favour. This fear-based strategy ensured Arab rulers’ submission, aligning their policies with Trump’s agenda.

A key example was his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the embassy relocation—a direct affront to Palestinian claims. Despite the blatant disregard for decades of Arab-world solidarity with Palestine, leaders remained passive, underscoring Trump’s successful intimidation. His aggressive push for Arab-Israeli normalisation unfolded alongside Israel’s escalating oppression of Palestinians, including settlement expansions and bombardments of Gaza—actions met with muted Arab responses. The book argues that Trump’s policies facilitated Palestinian dispossession, with Arab rulers prioritising self-preservation over resistance.

Ultimately, Trump’s tactics deepened regional divisions, eroded Arab credibility, and marginalised the Palestinian cause. The book concludes with three future scenarios:

– Widespread Normalisation & Authoritarian Backlash: Arab regimes, pressured to align with U.S.-Israeli interests, risk mass public backlash, prompting harsher repression to quell dissent.

– Palestinian Displacement & Instability: Accelerated Palestinian exodus could destabilise neighbouring states while diminishing global attention to their plight.

– Geopolitical Shift Away from the U.S.: Disillusioned Arab leaders may pivot to China or Russia, weakening Washington’s regional dominance.

By analysing Trump’s exploitation of Arab vulnerabilities, the book reveals how his policies reshaped Middle Eastern alliances, leaving lasting repercussions for Palestinian rights and regional stability.

Global East-West Books: https://books.by/global-east-west#the-blackmail-doctrine

Amazon: https://a.co/d/5cXblN2

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/47pMO8

PODCAST REVIEW