The Arab states of the Persian Gulf are often in the news and are critically important to the United States. The media and the political universe give great attention to how the world sees this region but little to how those who live there perceive the world and the environment around them. I will take a look here at the world and the regional environment from the perspective of the six Arab states that compose the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
The GCC states share many attributes, interests, and concerns, though each has its own unique history, location, and experiences that shape its perceptions of its surroundings and the developments that could threaten the state. In examining the issues and challenges that these countries face, I hope to capture both the perspectives they share and those in which they differ.
The role of Gulf Arab states in Russia-Ukraine mediation reflects their rising global influence and the benefits of hedging and balancing in foreign policy.
These remarks were delivered on March 5, 2018 as part of AGSIW Board Member Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm, Jr.’s 2018 Annual Kuwait Chair Lecture at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. The picture I intend to paint for you tonight is not unique to the Middle East. The United States’ withdrawal from...
