Oil Politics of the Gulf

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The Arab Gulf states are currently undergoing profound political and economic transformations at the domestic, regional, and global levels. During their state formation process in the 20th century, these states went from dependence on one natural resource, pearls, to another, fossil fuels. Home to over half of the world’s oil reserves, the Arab Gulf states have a distinct political environment. On the domestic front, the high dependence on hydrocarbon wealth coupled with the growing youthful demographic shifts has caused a dilemma in which these states endeavor to implement ambitious economic reform initiatives while attempting to maintain their political status quo. Several factors have contributed to the Arab Gulf states ascension in regional and international politics. The Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 and their aftermath presented the Arab Gulf states with a host of political and economic challenges and opportunities. Multiple divisions and armed conflicts, both within the Persian Gulf and the surrounding region, have increased because of the changing political order. The Gulf states have taken the lead in regional politics and conflicts due to their vast wealth and stability relative to the broader Middle East region. Political Islam affects many of these conflicts and remains a formidable force to either curry favor or foment rivalries across the region. Additionally, the Gulf states have used their foreign aid to shape regional politics in favor of their interests. On an international scale, the critical juncture of high oil prices during the 2008 financial crisis allowed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to take advantage of international investment opportunities in Western nations in the throes of recession. They used their economic leverage to amplify their influence and parlayed it into increased political power. Course Objectives: The course will analyze the dynamics of these increasingly important states within the context of four themes: 1) state formation and institutional legacies 2) the domestic political landscapes attending to the politics of monarchies, parliaments, and various political blocks 3) regional politics with emphasis on conflict, aid, political Islam and hegemony 4) the ascension of the GCC states on the international scene and their relations with major powers. It will explore how these dynamics unravel for each Gulf state with attention to the varying histories, sociopolitical contexts, economic interests, different external shocks, and their strategic choices.