The GCC States in An Unstable World; Foreign-policy Dilemmas of Small States

The states of the lower Gulf and Saudi-Arabia share a similar economic, social and political situation. On the one hand, they have a relatively small population, a high per capita income and a relatively low capacity to absorb capital. On the other hand, they have acquired significant importance since the Second World War as a result of the discovery of oil and their vast oil wealth (60 per cent of the world's proven reserves). Al-Alkim's book examines the actors shaping the foreign-policy dynamics of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The theme of the study is that, as a result of the 1991-92 Gulf war and the Gulf countries' increased dependency on the US in the 'new world order', the GCC has become heavily dependent on foreign powers for its survival. The author first outlines the historical background, explaining its effect on current foreign-policy issues and investigating the role played by internal factors. He then deals with political and social dynamics, strengths and weaknesses, and harmony and conflict in intra-state relations. Regional and international interactions, and the role of decision-makers, are examined as they impinge on the drawing up of foreign policy. Finally, the book examines the issues and problems facing the GCC states for their foreign policy in the 1990s and asks how they will approach the twenty-first century.

Hassan Hamdan al-Alkim holds a PhD in political science from the University of Exeter (UK) and is at present Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of the United Arab Emirates. He has written widely on the politics and economics of the Arab world. His The Foreign Policy of the United Arab Emirates is also published by Saqi Books.

List of Tables
List of Figures and Maps
Abbreviations
A Note on Transliteration and Pronunciation
Acknowledgements
Introduction

1. A Framework for Analysis
Foreign Policy Analysis
The Domestic Context
The External Context
The Decision-Making Process
The Third-World Nations
The Formulation of the GCC States' Foreign Policy

2. The Legacy of the Past
Islam as a Unifying Force
Western Rivalries
The British Connection
Political Developments
The Formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council

3. Political and Social Dynamics
Social Dynamics
The Political Process

4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Geographical Factors
Economic Development
The Oil Sector
The GCC States and the Oil Cartel Organizations
Oil and Political Influence
Non-Oil Economic Development
Economic Prospects
Defence Capability

5. Harmony and Conflict
Cooperation and Harmony
Conflicts of Interest

6. A Turbulent Region
The GCC States and the Subregional Powers
The Iran-Iraq War
The Kuwait Predicament
Iran's Encroachment on Abu Musa Island
The Emerging Yemen
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
The Commitment to Regional Organizations

7. The New World Order
The New World Order
Political Interactions
Defence and Security Cooperation
Economic and Trade Relations
Gulf Security: A New Perspective

8. Who Makes Foreign Policy Decisions?
The Foreign-Policy-Making Process
The Political elites
The Technocrats
The Bureaucracy
The News Media
The Rising Middle Class

Epilogue
Notes
Select Bibliography