Abstract

This poster explores polyarchy levels within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using data from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project. We focus on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), analyzing democracy’s various dimensions in this strategic and diverse region. Our study investigates how polyarchy levels vary among GCC countries and the contributing factors. Understanding electoral democracy variations in the GCC is vital for policymakers and scholars seeking to strengthen democratic governance in the region.

Introduction

This poster explores polyarchy levels within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using data from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project, with a specific focus on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The V-Dem dataset provides valuable insights into the diverse dimensions of democracy in this strategic region.

The primary research question addressed in this study is how polyarchy levels vary among GCC countries and the underlying factors contributing to these variations. By examining electoral democracy metrics, civil liberties, and political participation within the GCC context, this research sheds light on the nuances of democratic governance in each country. Understanding electoral democracy variations in the GCC is vital for policymakers and scholars aiming to enhance democratic governance and promote political stability in the region. By identifying patterns and challenges in polyarchy, this study contributes to broader discussions on democratization and governance in diverse geopolitical contexts, offering insights that are relevant beyond the GCC countries.

Methodology

Data for this study was sourced from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project, focusing exclusively on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Initially collected from hundreds of countries globally, the dataset was filtered to include observations solely from the GCC countries. Key variables related to electoral democracy, civil liberties, and political participation were averaged to analyze trends within the GCC region. Visualizations depict the distribution and variation of polyarchy across The GCC countries. Notably, the median v2x_polyarchy score indicates generally low levels of polyarchy across the region, with significant variation observed among countries. Qatar and Saudi Arabia exhibit even lower scores, reflecting notable deviations in polyarchy within the GCC.

Results

Table 1: Polyarchy Values Across GCC Countries

country_name	v2x_polyarchy_mean
Bahrain	0.0562903
Kuwait	0.1248681
Oman	0.0388226
Qatar	0.0192823
Saudi Arabia	0.0118879
United Arab Emirates	0.0426981

Discussion

The median polyarchy score for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries falls within the range of 0 to 0.1, indicating generally low levels of polyarchy across the region. The boxplot illustrates a wider dispersion of v2x_polyarchy scores among countries scoring higher on the index compared to those with lower scores, highlighting considerable variation in the level of polyarchy. Notably, outliers such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia exhibit even lower v2x_polyarchy scores than other GCC nations, suggesting significant deviations in democratic practices within the region. This analysis provides a starting point for further research into the factors influencing polyarchy variations within the GCC. The Findings show that even within the GCC countries there is large variations based off the type of government and people who rule each country.

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project for providing the dataset used in this study. Coppedge, M., Gerring, J., Lindberg, S. I., Skaaning, S.-E., Teorell, J., Altman, D., … & Bernhard, M. (2021). V-Dem [Country-Year/Country-Date] Dataset v11.1. Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Project. Available at: https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/.