[Book Talk] New Military Strategies in the Gulf

In the last decade, rulers in Gulf regimes have aspired to greater strategic autonomy and putting some distance between them and the West. Coined the “Gulf moment” by local commentators, this regional trend reflects a redistribution of power in the Arab world. This new book from Jean-Loup Samaan, Senior Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute, is the first to examine the military dimensions of these shifts. Gulf military strategy has prioritised the improvement of local armed forces and the diversification of defence partnerships towards countries such as Russia, Turkey or China. However, Dr Samaan’s book shows how this has led to the militarisation of Gulf societies, the further erosion of multilateral initiatives – including the Gulf Cooperation Council – and the region’s perilous involvement in the war in Yemen. It also highlights an enduring reliance on the West.

This book talk will examine the evolving strategic ambitions of the Gulf countries.  Close attention will be paid to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, countries that have played prominent roles in the region’s security affairs over the last decade. In light of increased tensions over China’s presence in the region, the discussion will also explore the ways Gulf states may wind up in the middle of the competition between Washington and Beijing.

Book discount:

Use the following discount codes to save 20% on this book when purchasing on Bloomsbury.com

UK and rest of world customers: GLR CA3UK

US customers: GLR CA3US

Canada customers: GLR CA3CA

Australia and New Zealand customers: GLR CA3AU

Click here for the book flyer.