Revolt and Resilience in the Arab Kingdoms

Abstract

The eight Arab kingdoms, aside from Bahrain, have weathered the Arab Spring with remarkable ease when compared to presidential republics. What explains the relatively modest upheaval and the ruling elites’ success in preserving the status quo? This article suggests that the popular legitimacy of the region’s monarchies com- plemented by fragmented political opposition and deep social cleav- ages limited the appeal of radical revolt.