The United Arab Emirates: Economy First, Politics Second

Davidson, Christopher M.

Abstract

The countries in the Persian (or Arab) Gulf produce about thirty percent of the planet's oil and keep around fifty-five percent of its reserves underground. The stability of the region's autocratic regimes, therefore, is vital to the world's economic and political future. Yet despite its reputation as the most traditional of regions, the Persian Gulf has made steps toward political liberalization. Is this trend part of an inexorable drive toward democratization, or simply a means for autocratic regimes to consolidate and legitimize their rule? Political Liberalization in the Persian Gulf focuses on these wide-ranging developments, tracking eight states as they respond to the challenges of increased wealth and education, a developing middle class, external pressures from international actors, and competing social and political groups.

Citation

Davidson, C. M. (2009). The United Arab Emirates: Economy First, Politics Second. In J. Teitelbaum (Ed.), Political liberalization in the Persian Gulf (223-248). Hurst

• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Jul 16, 2010
• Pages: 223-248
• Book Title: Political liberalization in the Persian Gulf.
• Chapter Number: 10
• ISBN: 9781850659280
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1663207
• Publisher URL: http://www.hurstpub.co.uk/BookDetails.aspx?BookId=482