Creative Insecurity and the Future of the Gulf

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 8 argues that, at this critical juncture for the future of the Gulf economies, states must swiftly implement reforms to foster innovation and achieve the demographic dividend. The youth majority entering the workforce find themselves sandwiched between the regime and the dominant business elite. To hedge against some of the negative endemic characteristics of Gulf states, this chapter discusses, policymaking strategies in both elite- and state-dominated GCC economies can be implemented to achieve the demographic dividend. In light of this, it becomes clear that institutional performance and the reaction of policymakers will affect the political and economic stability of the Gulf states for decades to come. In sum, the conclusion provides a summary of findings, as well as recommendations for how to achieve the demographic dividend through innovation-led development. This book heralds a new area of research through a CPE lens, evaluating the security dynamics of a state’s autonomy when it comes to conducting reform and how it affects the ability of Gulf petrostates to concurrently foster innovation and achieve the demographic dividend.