A Comparative Study of the Economic History of Bahrain and the GCC Nations:
The Braudelian Approach
　Abstract:
The aim of this research is to study the Economic History of Bahrain and compare it to the Gulf Community Council (GCC) Nations. This research will depend on the system of studying History as having a tri-level structure, based on the method introduced.
Introduction:
Initially, I intended on comparing the Economic History of Bahrain and Singapore during my stay in Japan – rather than being in either of the countries being researched – in order to have an objective point of view. I decided this based on the many similarities in the historic, geographic, political and social structures of both countries. Out of the research, I intended on setting “The Singapore Model†as a benchmark for suggested Economic Reforms in Bahrain and trying to recommend possible solutions for Economic Problems specific to Bahrain, particularly the high unemployment rate among its own citizens.
I was introduced to the works of Fernand Braudel – the revolutionary French historian – during the one year I spent as a research student here in Hitotsubashi University and found his method of analyzing the Histories of nations and regions a very comprehensive and one with a very strong systematic structure that would be a very powerful tool in my research. Due to the nature of my research, I will also resort to focusing on obtaining and using economic data and indicators to help me reach my goal.
Furthermore, the fundamentals of the Braudelian-method will be explained further in the “Methodology†section of this proposal.
Later, during one of my discussions with academic advisor – Professor KATO Hiroshi ï¼ it was recommended that my research would be more successful if I began my research by only studying Bahrain and comparing it to the rest of the Gulf countries, particularly since the data and research on this region is very limited. In effect, I would use the same Braudelian-method in studying Bahrain and the Gulf region, which would be the first step in my doctoral research – which I hope to do also in Hitotsubashi University - of comparing Bahrain to Singapore as I intended initially.
The research I wish to pursue will begin by studying Bahrain and the Gulf from a Geographic standpoint and how the geography (i.e., location and geological structure) of the region was important in the development of the economy of this region over history (Braudel named this “Geographic Timeâ€). Next, I will study the social and political structure of Bahrain and the GCC (Braudel named this “Social Timeâ€). Finally, I will look into specific events and attributes of Bahrain and the GCC (Braudel named this “Individual Timeâ€). Using this format, a clear understanding of the identity of Bahrain and the Gulf region will be clearly dissected. Economic issues specific to Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf will be studied, such as the impact of depleting oil supplies in Bahrain, and the relatively high unemployment rate (estimated at around 20% in 2005) among its citizens will be studied, in order to recommend solutions based on the identity of Bahrain and the region by which it is surrounded. Such a research would be the first of its kind, targeting Bahrain and GCC nations, thus creating a new path for future researches on the region.
Research Question:
As stated in the introduction, I specifically aim to bring to light economic problems specific to Bahrain in relation to the GCC countries and try to make recommendations on solving these problems based on the history, identity and structure of Bahrain and the Gulf region as a whole. There are many gaps in academic research dealing with Bahrain and the Gulf region, and I believe that this research will be a good step in studying the region and coming to understand it better on an academic level. Another challenge in the research is that the academic writings on this region, and particularly on Bahrain, are either out of date, tackle different issues not related to Economic History or are sharply biased towards particularly pro-government points of views. I believe the fact that this research will be undertaken during my stay in Japan will allow me to be able to focus on the research in a more objective manner rather than being influenced by local pressures.
Goals and Objectives:
Here are some of the things I intend on accomplishing through my research:
To be able to add to academic knowledge of Bahrain and the Gulf’s History and Economy.
To use the method created by Fernand Braudel in studying History and study a region not specifically studied before.
To obtain new ideas and knowledge about Bahrain and the Gulf, and bring to light issues those have rarely been tackled academically.
To find solutions to economic challenges facing Bahrain and Gulf countries.
To encourage research and spread awareness on Bahrain and the Gulf region.
To make a difference in the future of Bahrain, by returning after the completion of my doctoral degree and entering into a position in which I could help in make decisions in the political/economical future of Bahrain.
Methodology:
The principle method intended on being used in this research is the Braudelian model of studying history, as first introduced by Fernand Braudel. A work that clearly uses this approach is Fernand Braudel’s study of the The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II Vol. 1. Putting the concept of the method in a simple manner, History and Economic Development can be explained by structuring History into three parts that must be put into account equally in order to understand History as a whole. This is to say, History is to be broken down into three different levels that have three different “speeds†in shifting and changing; hence, some factors may be virtually impossible to change in one lifetime and some may be. The three levels of history are:
Geographic Time: studying the impact of the geographic identity of the region being investigated. Factors such as location, geological form, access to sea etc., are put into account, and the impact of these factors on the history of a region is to be evaluated. Geographic time is identified as slow-changing, which would mean that any changes in the geographic structure of a region could take thousands of years to occur.
Social Time: studying the impact of the social structure of a region under investigation. For example, religion, class rankings, social dynamics etc., and the impact such factors bring to the history of a region is to be evaluated. Social Time may be seen as that of intermediate to long-range in terms of speed of changing. Changing a society may take a few generations, and maybe span up to a few hundred years.
Individual Time: This targets specific decisions made by governments and events that happen and leave an impact. Also, this studies issues that are specific to the particular country/region being studied, in order to pinpoint more minute differences. Individual Time may be seen as a level that is very short term, and its impacts are pseudo-immediate.
The Braudelian-method has often been seen as very comprehensive, but the main argument that some historians claim is that the structure does not consider the use of data that may be critical in making a judgment. Fernand Braudel, in his later works, tried to introduce the use of economic data in order to further strengthen his points. In the case of my research, I will also make sure to include data (i.e., social census and economic indicators). One of the challenges that I face with Bahrain and the Gulf when it comes to studying performance of the stock market is that the stock market in these countries may not be representative of the Economy as they are not very active and still relatively young. Another potential challenge I see is that all these countries have recently gained independence, which means that the government is also new, and in effect, available data is unlikely to be older than 50 years old. Despite these challenges, I still believe that this research can be effectively conducted.
Expected Results:
From the research, I expect to find the following:
A general social/political/economical identity of Bahrain and the Gulf region.
Reasons in Society and Politics that brought rise to economic problems and lack of further development
Timeline:
If admitted into Hitotsubashi University’s Graduate School of Economics by September 2006, this is my suggested timeline for my research:
September 06- February 07: Study Braudel’s works and visit the embassies of Bahrain and other GCC countries and try to collect most recent data. Also, I will try to find available information in Japan.
February 07 – April 07: During my visit to Bahrain, I will mainly try to collect as much possible data on Population details for Bahrain and other Gulf Countries. Also, I will interview professors at the University of Bahrain and the Bahrain Centre for Research and Studies who could provide any insight. I also think that approaching some of the Newspapers in Bahrain for data would be helpful. By this I will collect as much data as possible on the Geographic Time, Social Time and Individual Time of Bahrain and the Gulf. During my stay in Bahrain, I will also try to visit neighboring GCC countries and try to collect similar data.
April 07 – May 07: All Data collected will be compiled in order to sort out into Geographic time, Social Time and Individual Time. Based on this, I can produce the general data I wish to work with.
May 07 – July 07: Rough draft of findings are to be discussed, missing data will be requested. I will also share my findings with specialists in the University of Bahrain and the Bahrain Centre for Research and Studies. Also, I hope to interview members of Newspapers in Bahrain, particularly the Editor of Al-Wasat Newspaper and Al-Ayam and ask for opinion. Also, I will ask for publications on the issue of Unemployment in Bahrain and any legislation changes dealing with Labor.
July 07-September 07: Rough draft # 1 to be submitted to Academic Advisor for advice. Any outstanding Issues will be covered as soon as possible.
September 07 – December 07: Rough draft # 2 to be submitted to Academic Advisor.
January 08 – Feb 08: Final Draft Handed in, planning for Doctoral research to begin.
Works Cited:
Fernand Braudel, The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II Vol. 1, Uni. Of California Press. Ltd. (1995), ISBN 0-520-20308-9
Hassan Ali Radhi, Judiciary and Arbitration in Bahrain, Kluwer Law International (2003), ISBN 90-411-2217-6
Nadeya Sayed Ali Mohammed, Population and Development of the Arab Gulf States: The Case of Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait, Ashgate Publishing Limited (2003), ISBN 0-7546-3220-2
Emile A. Nakhlah, Bahrain: Political Development in a Modernizing Society, St. Mary’s College Press (1976), ISBN 0-669-00454-5
Nasrat Abdullah Al-Bastaki, Japan and the Gulf: Diplomatic Strategy and Development Planning (Arabic Language), Arab Institute for Research and Publishing (2004), ISBN 9953-36-565-2
(Singapore-Studies)
Lee Kuan Yew, From Third World to First: The Singapore Story 1965-2000, HarperCollins Publishers (2000), ISBN 0-06-019776-5
Belinda Yuen, Planning Singapore: From Plan to Implementation, Singapore Institute of Planners (1999), ISBN 981-04-0573-1
Gavin Peebles and Peter Wilson, Economic Growth and Development in Singapore: Past and Future, Edward Edgar Publishing (2002), ISBN 1-84064-741-8 (cased)
Saw Swee-Hock, The Population of Singapore, Institute of South East Asian Studies (1999), ISBN 981-230-053-8
(Other Resources)
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), website: http://www.eiu.com
Freedom House, website: http://www.freedomhouse.org
Bahrain Brief (Pub: Gulf Centre for Strategic Studies), website: http://www.bahrainbriefs.com.bh
Voice of Bahrain, website: http://www.vob.com
Bahrain Economic Development Board, various publications, website: http://www.bahrainedb.com
Singapore Economic Development Board, website: http://www.edb.gov.sg
Kingdom of Bahrain, Official Website, http://www.bahrain.gov.bh
Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Commerce, various publications, website: http://www.commerce.gov.bh