The End of the Battle for Bahrain and the Securitization of Bahraini Shi‘a

Mabon, Simon Paul (2019) The End of the Battle for Bahrain and the Securitization of Bahraini Shi‘a. The Middle East Journal, 73 (1). pp. 29-50.

Abstract

Since protests shook Bahrain in 2011, the Saudi-backed regime there has embarked on a series of strategic moves, crushing dissent both at home and abroad. This article explores the methods the regime used to ensure its survival. It argues that by framing Bahrain's Shi'i majority as a security threat within broader regional challenges, the regime was able to solidify its core bases of support.