"An innovative, detailed and rich examination of the policy dilemmas that look set to define the next stage of evolution in the Gulf States." -- Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Fellow for the Middle East, Baker Institute"A thoughtful, original analysis of critical links between demography, institutional arrangements, innovation and national security. Making significant contributions to the study of the political economies of Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, this is essential reading." -- Mehran Kamrava, Professor of Government, Georgetown University in Qatar"Thafer applies critical political economy to address challenges facing Gulf states-rising youth populations, continued reliance on hydrocarbon wealth, stymied private sector development. As such, her work is timely, innovative, and much-needed to consider how states can break the 'oil curse.'" -- Courtney Freer, Visiting Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Emory University"An original analysis of youth in the Gulf states, offering valuable insights on the nexus of creative insecurity, state-market relations, governance, institutions, innovation, development and demographic dividends. A thought-provoking, invaluable read." -- Abdullah Baabood, Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies, Waseda University"Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty." -- Choice"The overall argument made in the book is that the best option for innovation-led economic development and diversification in GCC states is state-led capitalism." -- Seungah S. Lee, Middle East Journal