Rentier states

Rentier states depend on external sources of income for a large proportion of revenue, as opposed to domestic taxations. Today, the term refers most often to the oil states whose income is derived from the international sale of petroleum . Beblawi's definition of rents is widely followed: rents (1) come from abroad, (2) accrue to the government directly, (3) "only a few are engaged in the generation of this rent (wealth), the majority being only involved in the distribution …

…need to raise productivity and mobilise an entrepreneurial and managerial class may all be very useful under the supervision and safety of rentierism. As the supply of oil is restricted, it is important for these Gulf States to consider the growing need for economic as well as political liberalisation, thus allowing greater accessibility in the running of the state, or face growing opposition that may one day be a force not to be reckoned with.