Dynastic Survival of the Al Khalifa’s Rule in Bahrain (1783–1932): Rulership Struggles and Power-maintaining Measures

This is the first in-depth academic study on the dynastic rule of the Al Khalifa. It provides a thorough examination of dynastic struggles from the establishment of the shaykhdom in Bahrain in 1783 to the commencement of the oil era in 1932. This thesis examines six different periods of the Al Khalifa’s rule, illustrating approaches to managing and maintaining power that originated with the foundation of the dynastic house in the early eighteenth century. It also explores Al Khalifa’s intra-tribal conflict and conflict resolution trends and dynamics of the ruling institution. This thesis also touches on the circumstances and consequences of conquering Bahrain that shaped the Al Khalifa’s political and tribal identity and defined their relationships with the local population. It traces the foundation of tribal settlements and the employment of fellow tribes to counterbalance the indigenous people and to outbalance the in-tribe power infighting. The thesis details the impacts of the divisions among the Al Khalifa in relation to the political, social and economic life of the shaykhdom as well as the transformation of the organisational structure of power from a ruling tribe to a royal family. This thesis argues that the Al Khalifa maintained and refined a functional power and wealth-sharing system that was adapted to reward and appease the tribe’s members. It also argues that resorting to primogeniture as a direct method of succession was a collective choice of the tribe’s members and was not influenced by any regional example or external pressure. Adding to the literature on dynastic transformation and power succession in the Gulf monarchies, this thesis concludes that solo rule consistently triggered internal rivalries and domestic struggles within the Al Khalifa, while diarchy offered more stable and tranquil reigns, even at times of domestic threats or external military pursuits. It also concludes that, in spite of the fierce in-house schisms, each Al Khalifa ruler – during the period under study – resided by all the palpable means that would keep their households together and maintain undisputed power.