Chances for conflict resolution in Bahrain : A search for the causes of the conflict in Bahrain, and linking these to conflict theories and policy of international actors in orde theories and policy of international actors in order in order to resolve the conflict

Abstract

Whereas there is much of attention for the Arab Spring, the conflict in the small Gulf island of Bahrain receives considerable less attention in science, media, and policy. The limited publications that have appeared present a gap between reports about the current situation and a scientific understanding of the protests and chances for resolution; and theories and policy on this. This research aimed to reduce this gap by thoroughly analyzing the causes of the protests and linking these to which causes were addressed by selected international actors. In doing so, reflections were made on the used theories and policy of these actors. The research question was: What caused the uprisings in Bahrain in February 2011 and how have these causes been addressed by international actors, The Netherlands in particular?