Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In the second and final episode of our exploration into Abu Dhabi's takeover of Manchester City, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper uncover the strategic, political, and historical forces behind one of the most transformative moves in modern football.Incorporating expert commentary from Dr. Chris Davison, author of Abu Dhabi: Oil and Beyond, this episode explores how a state-led investment in a football club became a powerful tool of international diplomacy. We trace the roots of Abu Dhabi’s global ambitions back to the oil boom of the 1970s and '80s, the legacy of Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, and the shifting political landscape following his death in 2004.We also examine the rise of Sheikh Mansour, the tightening grip of autocracy, and the human rights questions that shadow this high-stakes project. From geopolitics in the Arab world to influence across Africa and the Indian subcontinent.00:00 Introduction 01:30 The Foundation of UAE and Its Growth02:57 Sheikh Zayed's Vision and Leadership05:24 The Role of Women and Modernisation08:37 The Al Nahyan Family Dynamics12:47 The Manchester City Takeover15:39 The Impact and Strategy Behind the Takeover22:41 The Strategic Importance of Qatar and Abu Dhabi23:29 Human Rights Concerns in Abu Dhabi28:52 Worker Rights and Personal Accounts31:38 The Yemeni War and Foreign Policy34:59 Manchester City's Aggressive Strategy36:19 Comparing Strategies: Abu Dhabi vs. Qatar44:23 The Future of Manchester City46:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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