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Expatriates and the Gulf Monarchies: Politics, Security, and the Arab Spring

Davidson, Christopher M.

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Authors

Christopher M. Davidson



Abstract

For many years the expatriate populations of the Gulf monarchies have played not only a key role in the economic development of these states, but have also contributed to their political stability. As non-citizens their presence in such large numbers has reinforced the elite status of most citizens in the region – an important non-pecuniary legitimacy resource for the monarchies. Moreover, their employment-driven status has usually meant that they have adopted either an apolitical or even pro-status quo stance. In some cases their perceived loyalty has led to selective naturalization or even co-option into security services. Complicating the issue, however, have been the recently changing circumstances of the Gulf monarchies. Already decisions have been made to reduce significantly expatriate populations due to accumulating pressures, especially related to urgent job creation schemes for nationals. Such measures threaten to undo the historic political advantages the presence of expatriates has provided for these regimes.

Citation

Davidson, C. M. (2014). Expatriates and the Gulf Monarchies: Politics, Security, and the Arab Spring. Asian Affairs, 45(2), 270-288. https://doi.org/10.1080/03068374.2014.907004

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 20, 2014
Online Publication Date Jun 12, 2014
Publication Date Jun 12, 2014
Deposit Date Mar 18, 2014
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Asian Affairs
Print ISSN 0306-8374
Electronic ISSN 1477-1500
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 45
Issue 2
Pages 270-288
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/03068374.2014.907004

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