Bahrain as the area of Saudi Iranian rivalry in the second decade of the 21st century

Abstract

Despite Bahrain’s small size, the country’s inner political and religious configuration of powers as well as its geopolitical layout make it an area of special interest. At the same time, the existence of the above circumstances contributes to the perception of Bahrain as a field of rivalry, or even a proxy war, as was the case during the Arab Spring of 2011, between two key actors in the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. One of the factors which influence the importance of Bahrain’s position in the region is the fact that for decades the country has been ruled by a more influential Sunni minority, whereas Shia Bahrainis, who constitute majority of the population, are permanently discriminated by the government in Manama.