While analysing the Arab Gulf monarchiesGramsciGulf monarchies, there are several apparent similarities between their development. Historically, the ruler had to negotiate and deal with the claims of contenders for power and influence, whether from other members of the ruling family, influential merchant clans, or charismatic religious figures and groups. Therefore, the history of the formation of the states in the Gulf consists of the ruling families extricating themselves from this position, leading to the consolidation of their hegemony and sole rule. This success was achieved through two external factors: external intervention from the British, and oil revenues. The latter allowed for the centralisation of state power as the great financial abundance was used to bypass the sheikhs who had traditionally mediated between the ruling families and the tribes. At the same time, the state was able to provide the security that the individual had previously sought from these tribes.