Imperialism after decolonization? British relations with Bahrain from the withdrawal East of Suez to the Iranian Revolution

Smith, Simon C.

Abstract

There is a growing consensus that the end of empire did not necessarily equate with a severing of imperial ties. Some historians have even argued that there was a shift from formal to informal empire in Britain’s relations with the emerging Gulf States. This is especially so with respect to Bahrain which had represented the epicentre of Britain’s position in the Gulf. Nevertheless, an analysis of British relations with Bahrain from the withdrawal East of Suez to the Iranian Revolution belies any notion that Britain succeeded in establishing an informal imperial position after 1971. Not only were Britain’s economic interests in Bahrain eroded by growing competition from its industrial rivals, but also its political and military position was challenged by the encroachment of regional powers. Any hope that Britain could retain an imperial role in Bahrain was undermined still further by the emergence of new internal political forces in Bahrain beyond the direct control of either the ruling family or Britain itself. The unfeasibility of maintaining an imperial relationship with Bahrain after 1971 persuaded British policymakers to seek to establish recognizably post-imperial relations with the Emirate in the decade following the withdrawal from East of Suez.

Citation

Smith, S. C. (online). Imperialism after decolonization? British relations with Bahrain from the withdrawal East of Suez to the Iranian Revolution. Middle Eastern Studies, https://doi.org/10.1080/00263206.2024.2368600

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 16, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 28, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 30, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 2, 2024
• Journal: Middle Eastern Studies
• Print ISSN: 0026-3206
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00263206.2024.2368600
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4677415