The International Relations of the Gulf Cooperation Council States

by Koch, Christian

• ISBN13: 9781441189219
• ISBN10: 1441189211
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2036-02-14
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Summary

The book focuses on the international relations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the only successful regional integration effort in the Arab world.

The Gulf region is a key center of international politics and security, and the GCC states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) are carving out a role for themselves, not only to promote economic development, but also to develop concerted foreign policies. The book looks at the policymaking process and the role of the GCC as an international institution. Case studies highlight key regional and international relationships, e.g., with Iraq, Iran, Yemen, the US, Russia, Asia, and the EU.

Christian Koch is Director of International Studies at the Gulf Research Center in Dubai. His unique and thorough analysis of the GCC states will be a key text for those studying Arab politics and for policymakers who need to understand the dynamics shaping the Gulf region.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Thesis and Conceptual ArgumentPART ONE - Theoretical Framework Chapter 1. The GCC States as Emerging International ActorsLooks at the development of the GCC States from an international relations perspective and how the role that the GCC states play in both regional and international diplomacy has shifted over time. Focus is on growing relevance and importance of the Arab Gulf countries. Chapter 2. The Foreign Policy Decision-Making Process in the GCC StatesDiscusses how foreign policy decisions are made and how the process of decision-making is evolving. The GCC states are emerging international actors and a thorough understanding of the foreign policy infrastructure is essential for the following chapters. This also includes a differentiation of foreign policy making at the national and at the GCC level.Chapter 3. The GCC as a Foreign Policy InstitutionToday, the GCC is the only successful regional integration effort in the Arab world. Although emphasis has been on promoting economic development and integration, the regional environment has ensured that foreign and security policies have never been far from the core discussions. Over time, the GCC has also gained a role as a foreign and security actor in its own right. Also, the GCC has had to deal with the internal rifts among member states, e.g., border issues or questions of sovereignty. PART TWO - The Regional Environment Focuses on case studies on the key relationships between the GCC and regional states.Chapter 4. GCC-Iran RelationsRelations with Iran are a key component of regional security matters. In this context, this chapter outlines the main elements of ties with the Islamic Republic and analyzes why relations are dominated by tensions and mistrust. Chapter 5. GCC-Iraq RelationsGCC-Iraq relations is a fascinating topic as we can examine them under different circumstances, i.e., relations under Saddam Hussein and how ties have developed since the US-led invasion in March 2003. Particular emphasis needs to be given to the Shi'a factor. The Iraq case is a particular pertinent because it shows a different foreign policy approach being adopted by the GCC states following the downfall of the Hussein regime. Chapter 6. The GCC-Yemen RelationsRelations between Yemen and the GCC States have not been dealt with to a great degree although this relationship will be critical for future security and stability in the Gulf. There are numerous facets to be explored including border issues, tribal ties, tensions related to the different forms of government in place on either side, the different policies pursued by the GCC states themselves, and the debate about a possible GCC membership for Yemen, among others. Chapter 7. The GCC and the Broader Middle EastThe Broader Middle East will include such issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the situation in Lebanon, and relations with Jordan and Syria. The Arab-Israeli front has been a key component of GCC foreign policy and it is necessary to understand how the GCC position has shifted over time. The conflict also has an impact on the other relationships and this chapter will highlight the growing role of the GCC states in these areas. PART THREE - The GCC and International IssuesThis section focuses on international issues and the GCC key strategic relationships.Chapter 8. The GCC and the United StatesThis relationship will be analyzed looking at how the dynamics of these ties have developed and shifted over time. The role of the US is central to understanding how the region as a whole has emerged. Also, the Iraq War of 2003 highlighted many of the shortcomings of the US approach to the region, a vacuum filled to some degree by the GCC states themselves. Chapter 9. The GCC and EuropeRelations with Europe have a long historical dimension highlighted by the traditional role of Great Britain in Gulf affairs. At the same time, since the 1970s and especially in recent years, relations with Europe have diversified, including ties between the GCC as an institution and the European Union. This chapter looks at the growing ties with Europe and the impact on the international relations scene in the Gulf region. Chapter 10. The GCC and Asia Asia has emerged as a key region with which the GCC states are developing relations. Driven primarily by economy - from the majority of GCC energy exports going to Asian countries to the large Asian expatriate labor force in the Gulf - ties with key Asian countries have also begun to take on a political and security dimension. Chapter 11. The GCC and RussiaGiven the close proximity of Russia and the former republics of the Soviet Union, the text needs to look at ties with Russia, especially in light of the multitude of objectives that Moscow tries to pursue in the region. For the GCC states, Russia is a potential important ally especially when it comes to Russia's role in Iran and how this impacts regional security. Chapter 12. The GCC and the International Economic OrderEconomic foreign policy interests lie at the heart of much of the policy deliberations in the Arab Gulf states. This chapter analyzes the essential role that energy issues, finance, and investment prerogatives play within the GCC. Although the case studies above highlight many of the economic themes underpinning the international relations, a chapter focusing on the broader economic themes is required to put the discussion of the case studies in their proper context. PART FOUR Towards Peace and Stability in the GulfIn this section, the different strands of GCC foreign policy will be drawn together by looking more closely at the subject of regional security.Chapter 13. Models of Gulf Security ArchitectureHow to bring about a more lasting and comprehensive regional security outlook is a debate that brings together the various powers with an interest in relations with the region. The chapter looks at how the GCC states have begun to develop their own vision for regional security. Chapter 14. Conclusion: Outlook and ProspectsSummarizes the key arguments and looks at the emerging role of the GCC states as the region continues to grow in strategic importance.