Qatar and Bahrain, two completely different experiences of political stability after the Arab Spring

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor of Political Science Department, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

2 PhD student in political science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

3 MA in political science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

Abstract

This analytical-descriptive study And with the method of historical sociology, by using the theoretical foundations related to the concept of political stability and instability, it has sought to answer this question why Bahrain and Qatar, despite having similar characteristics in the indicators related to the economic (oil revenues), social indicators (lack of strong civil institutions), cultural indicators (subordinate tribal political culture), and paternalism political structure, have undergone different fates of stability and instability in the region following the Arab Spring. The research hypothesis indicates that Bahrain's political unrest following the Arab Spring was caused by factors including the country's history of Shia political upheaval, the unfair distribution of wealth, positions, and jobs, and Shias' perceived inferiority in society as evidenced by indicators of economic, social, and political governance. On the other hand, Qatar has enjoyed relative political stability since the Arab Spring, owing to factors such as a relatively homogeneous religious distribution (Shia minority), the continuation of relatively good welfare, economic, and social indicators, and gradual top-down political liberalization.

Keywords

References

 
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World Politics
Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 44
September 2023
Pages 213-244

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