Ahh, but how 'liberalized' is the Kingdom? I've been under the impression that it's more 50/50, as in extremely pragmatic and liberal with certain cultural aspects (cybernetics, Imperial theology, etc), while even more conservative than the Empire in other areas (slavery, house-loyalty, etc)
I agree, I would see it 50/50 to.... ehm how can I expalin?
First let me start why I choose Qatar over Saudi-Arabia.. first a "hard"
institutional view (constitution, ministry, laws, property rights) so we will find out that Qatar had a absolut monarchy, with a the "rule of law" and with modern private property rights.
In Saudi-Arabia we find the
Ulma, the Saud, the Tribes so we have more a fuzzy pic.... most would say a absolut monarchy too, so I, but with less "room for maneuver"/Handlungsspielraum and "scope for decision-making"/Entscheidungspielraum.
(
nice Doku)
Now the "soft" institution (sanctions, taboos, customs, traditions, code of conduct)... in this point both couldnt be more appart... I dont even know were should I start
(just see article or wiki).
Now about the Kingdom.... first their isnt right or wrong "khanid roleplaying" so I know some play their Khanid chars like Amarr 1.0 (Ardishapur style). Then their others... ehm... what a like more... or should I say love... is a Amarr 2.0 (meaning a more modern approach with strong amarr roots)... I for myself I´m more out the "field"... meaning if Amarr 2.0 is the center so would be, lets say Amarr 1.0 on the extrem left side of the scale.... I would be than on the extram right side of the scale, meaning I play my more as a 50Amarr/50Caldari Char.
1.0--------2.0--------Me
So know to the actually question... I know I´m the horror... but you will find out why I choose this long intro....
So we have the "soft" institution... and like you said "liberal with certain cultural aspects (cybernetics, Imperial theology, etc)," so in this point more like Qatar....
About the "hard" institution" we have: "he governmental structure and administration are all but identical, the only difference being the lack of checks-and-balances that many entrenched institutions and local barons exercise within the empire."
[2]I would say in this point like Qatar too.... because less fussy and no ulama/ThCouncil
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About your last point.... "more conservative than the Empire in other areas (slavery, house-loyalty, etc)" I would say yes..... but is conservative the right word and makes this point it more Saud like? I mean their isnt no royal house more wakko then them see the drunk f*** Saud bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saud_of_Saudi_Arabia