Shi'a Identity Politics and Social Media in the Gulf

Abstract

This thesis explores issues of sectarianism and sectarian rhetoric within the Gulf region. It attempts to understand phenomena of sectarianism through an interdisciplinary approach, including discussions related to politics, economics, religion, and identity. Processes of state formation, the economics of rentierism, and the mismanagement of identity have all contributed to the heightened levels of sectarianism observable in the Gulf today. The outcomes of this sectarianism have been farreaching, and include a decrease in real political engagement by shi'a in the Gulf, and a turn to social and new media to express political dissent and to organize along sectarian lines. The idea that shi'a are inherently more receptive to social and new media is explored through a comparative study of internet use in Iran. This thesis also draws conclusions about sectarian content observed in the Gulf via social media, presenting findings from original data collection.