The foreign policies of the small Gulf states: An exception in small states' behaviours?

Abstract

This chapter discusses the emergence of the small Gulf States as small powers in the region and concludes by assessing the sustainability of the small Gulf States' foreign and security policies. Iran is the second regional structuring factor of the small Gulf States' foreign and security policies. Oman's foreign policy is highly personalized through the leadership of Sultan Qaboos. The investments of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in many Arab countries should be seen not only as a political but also as a security investment to diversify their security partners. The different interests within the Gulf Cooperation Council have contributed to make any progress towards more political integration impossible. The cost of the financial and political activism of the small Gulf States in the last ten years has created new responsibilities towards many states in the Middle East and North Africa region. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.