Abstract:
This thesis uses rentier state theory (RST) as a framework for understanding the origins
of the protest movement in the Sultanate of Oman during the so-called Arab Uprisings.
The discussion will focus on the evolution of RST, historic and cultural factors related to
the Sultanate’s modern development, and the unique characteristics of Oman’s political
economy, especially during the 2003 to 2013 timeframe. It will argue the rentier state
model has led to dual dependencies: oil for revenue and expatriates for labor. These dual
dependencies have created real economic conditions that differ substantially from the
publicly stated goals of the Omani government and have led to the grievances expressed
by Omanis during the 2011 protest movement. Using a mixed methods approach and
relying on original in-country research conducted by the author from April to June 2014,
the research will demonstrate the protest movement occurred not simply because of a
region-wide contagion effect, but because of the underlying characteristics defining
Oman’s political economy.
