### DEFUTE OF NATIONALITY IN KOWEIT: an authoritarian drift with deep implications
Kuwait, often perceived as the bastion of democracy in the Gulf, is today the scene of an unprecedented upheaval. With the forfeiture of nearly 42,000 nationals in just six months, this state has taken a historic stage in its management of civil and political rights. This event, much more than a simple administrative measure, questions the very nature of citizenship in this country rich in hydrocarbons and, by extension, on the implications of governance perceived as more and more authoritarian.
#### Damage of nationality: a permissive legislative framework
The legislative evolution should be noted which facilitated this alarming situation. The amendment of December 2023, which authorizes the forfeiture of nationality on bases as vague as “moral turpitude” or criticism towards the authorities, opened the door to flagrant abuses. In the monarchies of the Gulf, where royal sovereignty is often synonymous with undisputed authority, this legislation represents a disturbing drift of democratic values.
To put this in perspective, it is interesting to compare this situation to that of other countries in the region. In Saudi Arabia, for example, repressive measures are mainly aimed at those who criticize online power. On the other hand, Kuwait operates a much more global strategy, affecting all the strata of society and arousing a climate of generalized fear.
#### A population under tension
The speed of this decline of nationality only accentuates a feeling of uncertainty among the Kuwaiti. They scrutinize the weekly publications of the lists of those who lose their nationality, seeking to identify whether a familiar name is among the victims. This phenomenon has repercussions far beyond the individuals concerned. The affected families are deprived of access to health care, education or even property rights – essential aspects of life in a state where social security could draw prosperity.
A study by the Arab Institute of Human Rights reveals that social anxiety has increased by 35% in the country since the first nationality forfeiture, an alarming statistics that highlights the emotional and psychological impact of such a campaign.
#### The collateral effects of forfeiture
The economic implications of this exodus are also worrying. Many Kuwaitians are now reluctant to invest in long -term projects or businesses, for fear of engaging in an uncertain environment. Entrepreneurs, like Faisal, having lost their nationality, are now unable to operate in a legal manner. This threatens not only their livelihoods, but also weakens the national economic fabric.
By observing these tendencies, we can draw a parallel with the situation of “bidouns”, people who struggle to prove their nationality for generations. While these individuals, already marginalized, await solutions to their identity claims, the massive decline of nationality resonates as an echo of this erosion of civil rights.
### towards an international awareness
This authoritarian drift in Kuwait also drew the attention of human rights organizations, and it is crucial to mention the international response. Amnesty International has denounced these measures as a blatant harm to human rights. The Kuwaitian administration, hasty to ensure national security, shows signs of wanting to muzzle any form of opposition, whether political or social.
It is essential that concrete actions are undertaken by the international community to contain this drift. This could take the form of diplomatic or economic sanctions, or even pressures for a return to the negotiating table on civil rights, a subject too long neglected in discussions on regional security.
### Conclusion
Kuwait is at a critical crossroads. The choice between the repression of freedoms and the affirmation of civil rights is made. Recent nationality forfeiture is not simply isolated incidents, but reveal a broader trend towards authoritarianism. The repercussions of these decisions resonate through society, affecting institutions, economic stability and social cohesion. Increased vigilance is necessary, both from the inside and from the outside, to ensure that Kuwait does not slip towards a future marked by intolerance and fear. The world must keep an attentive eye on this development, because the impact of these decisions could have repercussions far beyond the Kuwaiti borders, embracing the entire Gulf region.