English abstract
This research deals with the relationship between economics and security in
the Sultanate of Oman, especially in the current times of economic crisis. I
studied the economic and social conditions in the Sultanate under Sultan
Qaboos's rule extending from 1970 to January 10, 2020, and the reign of Sultan
Haitham, which began on January 11, 2020. The great renaissance witnessed by
the Sultanate during the past 50 years, the model of the economy that has been
built, and the relationship between the government and society were examined.
The study predicts that reducing employment, imposing taxes, and decreasing
subsidies on certain goods and services by the government in order to address
economic difficulties would negatively impact the security and stability of
Oman.
A qualitative approach was used, and a wide range of socio-economic data was
collected, analysed, and compared; this includes the structure of the economy,
population, and unemployment. I studied the potentially negative impact of
economic and social challenges, as well as the new taxation (VAT) and the
reduction of subsidies on the citizens. Interviews were conducted with economic
and academic specialists, in addition to specialists connected with security, in
order to measure the impact of the aforementioned challenges on the security
and stability of the Sultanate at this critical stage.
The findings indicate that the new socio-economic environment could affect the
security and stability of the Sultanate.
This study recommends that the government continue the work on economic
diversification, encourage in-country value (ICV) industries, establish an entity
to represent job seekers, and promote constructive communication with citizens
and legislative councils. This study also recommends that the government
should consider allocating a percentage of the money earned from value-added
tax, fuel and electricity to support the employment of job seekers.
