Network States

The UAE deserves more study.

It is technocapitalist.
And a top location for global investors.

It’s truly a nation of immigrants.
Less than 15% Emirati, >85% foreign.

It’s in hypergrowth.
From 75k to ~10M people in 75 years.

It’s like a Mars colony.
Built a metropolis from nothing. 

Very impressive place.

It is also taking an increasing role in the security affairs of East Africa, and not always in a good way. 

The UAE supported Ethiopia's atrocity-filled campaign to suppress the Tigrayan ethnic group and they backsl Hemedti's RSF in the current Sudanese Civil War, where support by outside actors only serves to prolong the conflict. 

The UAE is also the destination of the majority of the illicit trade in gold from the DRC and South Sudan...