Security and inclusion: regime responses to domestic challenges in the Gulf

Abstract

The theme of 'Gulf security' is often addressed from the angle of regional and international threats. It should be clear that the domestic aspect is at least as important, and, indeed, intertwines with the external aspects: threats and responses on both levels are often inextricably linked. The domestic scene, then, will be the focus of this paper. The argument presented here in outline will consider why increased popular grievances and pressures for change are likely, and address the question whether such voices and forces of dissent can, or should, be incorporated into the polity's accepted dynamics - i.e. whether inclusion may be a more fruitful way forward than suppression.