Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

In a recent study published by the Center for International and Regional Studies at Georgetown’s Qatar campus, Gulf expert Steven Wright discusses political changes implemented in Bahrain since 1999.

“The study shows that internal power-politics in the ruling family largely explain the manner in which the recent reforms were implemented," says Wright, an expert on Gulf politics and professor at Qatar University. In addition, the study examines key social and political developments in Bahrain and illustrates some of the important challenges that remain within the Kingdom. CIRS Director Mehran Kamrava considers this paper an important topic of study that documents several key aspects of Bahraini reform and challenges in the face of rising unemployment and political turmoil. “CIRS is also working closely with Wright and several other experts of Gulf studies on another project entitled The International Relations of the Gulf, which will result in the publication of a thoroughly researched book on the topic,” he said.

Through its Occasional Paper Series, CIRS provides in-depth examination of ideas and issues of contemporary academic and political significance. Last year, CIRS published two papers: “Conservation in Qatar: Impacts of Increasing Industrialization,” by Renee Richer of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, and “Iraqi Refugees: Seeking Stability in Syria and Jordan,” in conjunction with the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University.

You can view a detailed summary of the paper or download a complete copy.