ABSTRACT
Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman have historically shared the same strengths and vulnerabilities – affluence and stability when hydrocarbon revenues flowed readily, and hardship and insecurity when conflicts and recessions struck the Gulf. All ruled by hereditary monarchies but each facing unique challenges conditioned by their historical roots and royal inclinations, these five small kingdoms enter a new decade with well-defined political institutions but youthful populations and declining rentier wealth.
