The Last Brunei Revolt? A Case Study of Microstate (In-)Security

Abstract

Recent observation of small states, and complementary theory in this area, do not record or anticipate significant vulnerability, and indeed Brunei is no „exception to the rule‟. The present case-study does not even analyse a threat from an outside power, but the attempt by an international entrepreneur to apply his wealth to subverting the stability of the Sultanate, in collaboration with the remnants of the leadership of Brunei People‟s Party (PRB), mainly exiled since 1973 in Malaysia. However, the non-appearance of unrest may serve to demonstrate that internal cohesion is as important an asset for territorial survival as a secure external environment – albeit at the same time the absolute ruler could be lured into dangerous complacency by the experience of oil-funded success in maintaining the institution of monarchy. A brief historical background is supplied, focused on the PRB revolt of 1962 and how the Sultanate subsequently contrived to consolidate itself, to the point where any attempt at a „replay‟ of nationalist revolution was bound to face formidable obstacles in any circumstances. This is also a study of the role of PRB second-in-command Zaini Ahmad, without whose unquenchable optimism no such enterprise could ever have been contemplated.