First Published in 1992 Reconstruction and Regional Diplomacy in the Persian Gulf goes beyond a description of the recent events by analysing the social, political, and economic patterns of interaction between the Gulf states. The argument is strengthened by a consideration of the role of the superpowers in the region’s political discourse, and of religion as a force for a change. Not only do the authors provide an easily accessible basis for explaining the current problems in the region, but they also offer their own, sometimes provocative policy prescriptions. This book is an important read for scholars and researchers of Middle East politics and Middle East history.

This book examines the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Persian Gulf states from 1979 to 1998.

The position of the Persian Gulf as the main highway between East and West has long given this region special significance both within the Middle East and in global affairs more generally. This book examines the history of international relations in the Gulf since the 1820s as great powers such as Britain and the US, and regional powers such as Iran and Iraq, vied for supremacy over this geopolitically vital region. It focuses on the struggle for control over the islands of the Gulf, in particular the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb – an issue that remains highly contentious today. It describes how for 170 years Britain eroded Iranian influence in the Gulf, both directly by asserting colonial rule over Iranian islands and port districts, and also through claiming Iranian islands for their protégés on the Arab littoral. It shows how, after Britain's withdrawal, these islands became a pawn in the animosity and conflict that pitted, at one time, Arab radicals and nationalists against monarchical Iran, and, later, the conservative-moderate Arab camp against Islamic Iran. It goes on to explore the impact of the rise of American power in the Gulf since the start of the 1990s, its policy of containment of Iran and Iraq, and how this has provided encouragement to the ambitions of the Persian Gulf Arab littoral states, especially the UAE, towards the islands of the Gulf.

This volume presents the research and analyses of internationally recognized scholars concerning the internal and external dynamics which affect and often determine the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Following an introduction designed to provide an analytical and contextual backdrop, the volume begins with a detailed look at the Iranian polity, its evolution before and after the revolution, and the role of ideology. The next section addresses Iranian foreign policy with respect to the Arab Gulf states, as a function of domestic dynamics, and as a response to regional and international events and constraints. The third section discusses Iran's military capabilities and includes reasoned judgments concerning the Islamic Republic's intentions and aspirations in the military realm. The book concludes with a discussion of the evolving relationship between the GCC states and Iran with particular focus on the security dynamics that attend that relationship for the foreseeable future. This timely and comprehensive work acknowledges Iran's important and immutable role in Gulf affairs, and particularly in Gulf security affairs. It also acknowledges the important evolution in Iranian foreign policy which has occurred since the revolution of 1979 and, particularly, since the death of the Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

This volume presents the research and analyses of internationally recognized scholars concerning the internal and external dynamics which affect and often determine the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Following an introduction designed to provide an analytical and contextual backdrop, the volume begins with a detailed look at the Iranian polity, its evolution before and after the revolution, and the role of ideology. The next section addresses Iranian foreign policy with respect to the Arab Gulf states, as a function of domestic dynamics, and as a response to regional and international events and constraints. The third section discusses Iran’s military capabilities and includes reasoned judgments concerning the Islamic Republic’s intentions and aspirations in the military realm. The book concludes with a discussion of the evolving relationship between the GCC states and Iran with particular focus on the security dynamics that attend that relationship for the foreseeable future. This timely and comprehensive work acknowledges Iran’s important and immutable role in Gulf affairs, and particularly in Gulf security affairs. It also acknowledges the important evolution in Iranian foreign policy which has occurred since the revolution of 1979 and, particularly, since the death of the Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The Islamic republic's '1969 moment' -- The Arab uprisings -- Rouhani aims to open up 'new horizons' -- Success of nuclear diplomacy -- Geopolitical uncertainties shape policy -- Conclusion -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Index

Regional Guide to International Conflict Management from 1945 to 2003 provides global, regional, and specific information on the over 350 international conflicts that have occurred since World War II. At the heart of the book are comprehensive regional sections, each of which includes: An essay providing regional context and highlighting the interrelation of countries and conflict in that area Summaries of each conflict in the region, arranged chronologically and covering history, circumstances, players, management, and outcome References for further research. Introductory chapters examine global patterns and trends in international conflict and how conflict is managed, including ethnic conflict and the expanded role of the United Nations. Tables, figures, maps, and a comprehensive index round out this valuable resource. Regional Guide to International Conflict and Management from 1945 to 2003 gives readers the tools and content necessary for understanding and analyzing international conflict in today′s world. Perfect for political science, comparative government/politics, international relations, and world history programs.

Intro -- Contents -- List of Tables -- Preface -- Introduction. No Grand Strategy -- 1. Exploring Great Powers in Regions -- 2. The Nixon Administration's Twin Pillars -- 3. The Reagan Administration and the Iran-Iraq War -- 4. The Bush Administration and Constructive Engagement -- 5. The Iraq War of 1991 -- 6. The Clinton Administration and Saddam Hussein -- 7. Containment-Plus and Regime Change in Iraq -- 8. The Iraq War of 2003 -- 9. The Decline of Balance-of-Power Policy -- 10. The Balance Sheet, So to Speak -- 11. Theory, Strategy, and Realism -- Conclusion. Reactive Engagement -- Appendix: Core Interviews -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- R -- S -- T -- U -- V -- W.

This text discusses the relationship between Russia, Iran and Turkey since the collapse of the Soviet empire. These nations are the main rivals for influence in the Caucasas and Central Asia, with China a distant factor.

The A to Z of the Gulf Arab States comes at a time when the world's attention is riveted on the Middle East. The small states covered in this volume—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—possess about 20 percent of the world's total oil reserves. Beyond the strategic and economic importance conferred upon them by their vast oil reserves, the Gulf Arab states are worthy of attention for the inherent interest of their history and culture. No area of the world has yielded more revealing and exciting archaeological finds in the past few decades than these states. Investigations have brought to light extensive evidence of an important culture as old as Egypt of the Pharaohs or ancient Babylon, which was virtually unknown previously except through rare references in the records of other civilizations. The A to Z of the Gulf Arab States is a paperback reprint of the Historical Dictionary of the Gulf Arab States. This edition covers the history of the five countries through a chronology broken down by country, a list of acronyms and abbreviations, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and several hundred cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, places, and events of each country. Everything from the Abbasids to Zubarah is covered in this essential reference on this increasingly important region of the world.