Youth are the partners in the formation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) national security — this was one of the topics discussed at the second National and Regional Security of the GCC States conference last month, which was organised by Derasat (Bahrain Centre for International, Strategic and Energy Studies) in Bahrain. This view of the younger generation in the Gulf — not just as a legitimate but crucial partner in GCC security — had been a largely absent perspective in such forums. It was a creative approach to GCC security and, along with a number of other topics discussed, including water security, allowed not only for deeply strategic but also refreshingly practical conceptualisations. The tone of the panelists and attendees pointed to a popular will for a deeper and more constructive relationship between GCC states that recognise the shared security concerns of six nations.
The conference brought together policy-making and academic elites from GCC countries and what I found most revealing and positive was the absence of outside voices in the debate. It was by Khaleejis, for Khaleejis. These kinds of events are necessary and are among the building blocks of a potential Gulf Union. Hearing the security concerns of the six countries in a shared forum and discussing areas of joint interest felt more like a session of Congress in the US as opposed to a discussion between members in a regional block. For every political difference between GCC states, there are ten areas of mutual concern and for every social variance, there are ten similarities.
Now I may be seeing the glass as half full, but in light of the changing nature of politics in the 21st century and the shifts in international relations brought about by increased global integration and globalisation, we must allow ourselves the freedom to depart from the more rigid frameworks of statehood and sovereignty that existed in the post-Cold War era. This is the time for constructivism not realism. This is the time for a healthy dose of critical thought and objectivity. Regionalism and further regionalisation are the dominant trends of the future. And the GCC states are in a position to take bold decisions in pioneering regionalisation as opposed to following a more routine approach when making strategic moves.
Being in Bahrain was refreshing as I had not been there for years. My last visit was a few years before the uprisings in 2011. Ask any citizen of the GCC about their sentiments towards Bahrain and I guarantee the response will be overwhelmingly positive. There is a love for the charm of the place and the people. Hence the sadness and agitation that struck GCC citizens when things in Bahrain took a turn for the worse.
As I mentioned to some Bahraini officials and intellectuals during a discussion over lunch, which brought together some of the leading thinkers in the Gulf, young people in the GCC states want to see constructive dialogue in Bahrain. The main issue being discussed over lunch was how to dispel the negative perceptions that still dominate outsider views on the country. The situation is obviously very complex and some issues will take generations to resolve, but for the time being, we need to see concerted efforts to find a way forward for Bahrain based on dialogue.
Recognising the concerns
The Bahraini government needs to really think outside the box in achieving sustainable solutions. This can start with facilitating a constructive dialogue and recognising the concerns of the population.
I believe this is a reflection of the views of the youth in other GCC states as well, who see no difference between themselves and their kin in Bahrain.
The Khaleeji house is strong, especially its youth, and they share a common destiny. The Derasat conference recognised that youth are an essential component of GCC security, but I caution that ‘youth’ should not be viewed as an auxiliary concern. The voices of youth in GCC states are rising and are more coherent than ever, but they are not being reflected in policy or mainstream rhetoric. The integral role of youth to the security of GCC states was discussed on the second day of the conference and among the views presented was a suggestion for a youth council in GCC or a representative of the youth at the GCC level.
The six GCC states have the most youthful populations. A third to half of GCC citizens are under 25. The younger generation in the Gulf wants to be heard. They need platforms and forums to discuss their mutual concerns and get to know each other’s peculiarities in a more comprehensive and systematic manner. Now is the time for GCC states to listen to their youth and recognise that they are a force to be reckoned with. Empowering young people in the Gulf is essential, as it is they who will spearhead the GCC’s future.
Gaith Abdulla is a PhD candidate at Durham University.
