Explaining Consultative Councils: Comparing the Cases of Saudi Arabia and Qatar

• In Event: Representation in Comparative Legislative Politics

Abstract

What role or functions do Consultative (Shura) Council perform in the most restricted monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula? In this paper we investigate the cases of Qatar and Saudi Arabia to answer this question. Given that both councils have a fairly limited role in legislation we instead evaluate three potential factors that may explain the role of these councils: representation, education and political advancement. First, we examine the social and regional backgrounds of the council members to examine the level of representation in the council. Second, we examine whether the councils mainly recruit highly skilled and educated technocrats to aid in policy making and advice. Third, we examine whether membership in Shura councils provides an opportunity or route for political advancement to the council of ministers. These hypotheses are tested by correlating membership in council committees with each of the three factors mentioned. This paper builds on the theoretical work that exists in relation to the functions of legislatures in authoritarian regimes (signaling, co-optation, credible commitments, power sharing etc). To do this, the paper will utilize novel and detailed data on the demographics of these council as well as membership in it’s committees. In this way, we shed light on an otherwise ignored and downplayed institution in the Arabia Peninsula while also answering key theoretical questions regarding the functions of appointed and unelected legislatures in authoritarian regimes.

Authors

• Luai Allarakia, DI

• Sultan Alamer, George Washington University