The Gulf Cooperation Council at 40

On May 25, 1981, the heads of state of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates gathered in Abu Dhabi to sign the charter creating the Gulf Cooperation Council. While the founding charter focused on coordination and integration on the economic, educational, and cultural fronts, the GCC has acted as a significant forum for security cooperation among its member states. Through the years, the GCC has proved resilient, but the 2014 and 2017 rifts with Qatar have damaged the bloc’s cohesion.

As the GCC marks its 40th anniversary, what has been the organization’s real impact on its member states, the Gulf, and international relations? Is the GCC living up to its potential to foster regional economic integration? Can the organization still function as an effective forum for cooperation on defense and security issues, despite political divisions among its members? Will the January signing of the Al Ula agreement ending the crisis with Qatar help to build back trust and collaboration?

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