The Post-14/02/11 Bahrain: A State in the Remaking

Abstract

Political liberalization reforms in Bahrain began in 1999 with the ascension to throne of Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. In an attempt to regain people’s support for the dynastic rule, a constitutional monarchy was installed on February 14, 2002. Yet, the Bahraini Arab Spring shook the established order on February 14, 2011, undermining the legitimacy of the Sunni rulers. Hinnebusch¹ argued that the processes of state formation in the Middle East depend on the ability of state-builders to address three challenges: “nationbuilding, economic development and authority building.” In case of Bahrain, the considerations to be made are as follows. To begin with, the strategies of legitimacy-building were focused on a strong identification of the state with the ruling family and, subsequently, with the crown. It is clear that this approach to legitimacy-building that would go beyond the tribal and sectarian affiliations has not fully worked. Indeed, in 2011, the supporters of the king held posters Kulna Hamad (“we are all Hamad”); however, other groups display less enthusiastic feelings about the Sunni dynasty of Al Khalifa. Arab Shias (Baharna), for instance, often underline that they are the indigenous inhabitants of Bahrain. In recent years, Islam’s role in providing a common identity for the Bahrainis diminished due to a growing sectarian split. In addition, the economic disenchantment of the population brought claims of discrimination by the ruling circles among the disadvantaged groups.