Croatian envoy unveils groundbreaking book offering diplomatic lens on Kuwait’s history and culture

The Times Kuwait Report

Kuwait University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently hosted a roundtable to unveil Croatia’s Ambassador H.E. Amir Muharemi’s new book on Kuwait.

Originally written in Croatian and later translated into English, the book offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Kuwait’s history, politics, and foreign relations. It was published by the Center at Kuwait University and presented during a lecture titled “Kuwait Through Foreign Eyes.”

Ambassador Muharemi explained that the book was created as a simplified reference to help foreign diplomats and readers better understand the unique characteristics of Kuwait.

“We addressed many questions about Kuwait’s historical context, political system, and diplomatic approach,” he said. “My colleagues in the diplomatic community expressed great interest, as there are few resources that present Kuwait’s identity so clearly and concisely,” he said.

He noted that the book was inspired by the common queries new ambassadors often have upon arriving in the country — such as why things function the way they do and how different elements of Kuwaiti society interact. “I aimed to present the foundational aspects of Kuwait in a way that’s easy to grasp for foreigners,” he added.

The Croatian envoy originally wrote the book in Croatian for his home audience, but after observing growing interest from fellow diplomats, he decided to translate it into English to make it more widely available.
Highlighting the importance of cultural understanding, the ambassador pointed to the concept of the diwaniya as a key example discussed in the book. “It is central to Kuwaiti culture and illustrates how social engagement shapes the community,” he said.

Commenting on the publication, Dr. Ghanim Al-Najjar, Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University, emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it marked the first time a diplomat has written such a detailed book about Kuwait.

He praised the book as a rich, well-written, and valuable academic resource, particularly for diplomats. “It fills a crucial gap in English-language materials about Kuwait,” he said, adding that the university helped refine and publish the book. The release also coincided with Kuwait’s Independence Day on June 19, adding a symbolic dimension to the launch.