The six monarchies of the Gulf region, though still somewhat marginalized in general studies on the Middle East and North Africa, have become arguably the most politically, economically, and strategically consequential countries in the Arab world in recent decades. The militaries of these states have continued to expand and some – especially those of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia – have become active participants in regional conflicts.
The evolution of the Gulf Arab armies is best understood by highlighting some of their key formative moments and sociocultural foundations. This paper examines six of these – tribalism, King Abdulaziz al-Saud and the Ikhwan, the British legacy, the formation of the UAE and its United Defense Force, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and the Arab Spring uprisings – and
assesses their relevance for the present and future.
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.
