Abstract

Gulf diversity remains an under-researched topic that is stereotyped as uniform with its monarchical or Emir system relative to its Middle Eastern counterparts. This is why this thesis is initiated out of the interest to research a region that is known for its geopolitical value worldwide. Stereotyped as a region in which citizens enjoy the wealth of their nation through distribution, the events of 2011 showed otherwise. When encouraged by Middle Eastern counterparts, uprisings in Bahrain signaled that not all of the population is at ease, and that being among the “oil wealthy” states does not necessarily imply stability and bring about citizen satisfaction. Some citizens in Bahrain have shown that they prioritize more basic freedoms and political participation. On the other hand, citizens of the UAE have seen minimal calls for reform and change, and a fairly stable system of rule. Explaining such different paths and nuancing the over-generalizing aspects of rentierism are at the core of this thesis. The thesis adopts a socio-historic approach to show that differences in state- formation, types of elites and sectarian structure account for such divergent paths.

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Graduation Date

2-1-2017

Submission Date

January 2018

First Advisor

Korany, Bahgat

Committee Member 1

El Nur, Ibrahim

Committee Member 2

Sika, Nadine

Extent

111 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Comments

Special thanks to my advisor Dr. Bahgat Korany, my family, and my wife for the support throughout.

Download

Share

COinS