GCC International Relations

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Dominant theoretical frameworks within International Relations
Major security threats facing GCC states
Factors influencing security in GCC states
Government Interventions in GCC member states
References

Introduction

Theoretical view represents a set of thinking focused towards scientific or scholarly inquiry widely recognized and accepted within particular discipline. Therefore, global politics can well be analyzed through the study of theories in international relations. Study based on international domain can be understood through underlying principles of realist, liberal as well as radical traditions.

Realism and liberalism present some of the most dominant theories in International Relations. Classical thinking usually focuses on the positive outcome on such prospects of peace, cooperation as well as human progression. On the contrary, idealism focuses on prospects surrounding human nature as well as possibilities (Sasley, 2011).

Dominant theoretical frameworks within International Relations

Realism is one of the dominant theoretical frameworks that focuses on the existing propensity applicable in resolving conflict between states. The theory was discovered to be dominant theoretical tradition during the Cold War (Sasley, 2011). The theory largely exposes international affairs as self-seeking struggle for power amongst states and is known to generally focus on the positive prospects which can be utilized in the process of eliminating conflict and major squabbles (Sasley, 2011).

The theory is outlined by powerful principles and explanations for various domains within international relations such as war and imperialism amongst other international phenomena. Classical realists believed in the fact that states had the domineering character comparable to that of human beings. Such innate desire makes some states to consider themselves superior based on resources as well as political affiliations.

This contributes to wars amongst nations since classical virtues and balance-of-power system seemed difficult to adopt in some nations. However, the neorealist theory focused majorly on consequences of international system rather than human nature (Sasley, 2011).

Liberalism encompassed several liberal thought which argued based on principles of economic interdependence. This was viewed as major channel which would be utilized to discourage states from applying forceful actions against each other. On the other hand, democracy was one of the key determinants of world peace based on the comparison on affairs between democratic and authoritarian states.

Selfish behaviors emanating from states could easily be dealt with through International agencies; this is since various states are made to forego immediate gains for long-term benefits based on lasting cooperation. Liberal theories focused on the fact that cooperation was more pervasive compared to defensive principles of realism (Sasley, 2011).

The issue on international security amongst GCC member states needs to consider various approaches capable of providing lasting peaceful co-existence. Economic empowerment emerged as one of the reliable approaches which could be utilized to ensure stability within countries in accordance to Liberalism approach (Abdulla, 1994).

Future economic growth within the GCC member states should be used as center stage for peaceful coexistence. There is a need for GCC member states to encourage adoption of holistic approach towards solution of various internal conflicts. Economic levels within the region have been largely affected by lack of accommodative agreements since each state seems to be independent.

The current economic status of the GCC countries calls for policymakers and business leaders to generate ideas capable of withstanding the volatile situation surrounding the region. There is a need of adopting principles of economic interdependence for the purposes of providing the region with required policies, knowledge, skills as well as capabilities of trading favorable within the global market.

There are several government intervention programs which the policymakers should adopt for the purposes of attaining intended results. Such measures include reinforcement of strategies capable of combating problems within regional workforce, upgrading existing relationships between governments and external agencies. Such measures enable development of important institutions capable of bridging existing gaps between GCC states (Shimko, 2009).

For the purposes of dealing with conflicts within the region, GCC governments and policymakers should adopt and implement comprehensive democratic programs capable of providing quality research and evaluation programs capable of developing of professional skills within the region. This can be made possible through organization of seminars and workshops aimed at developing comprehensive GCC diplomatic intelligence.

There is a need for comprehensive establishment of relationships with foreign agencies with the ability of upgrading quality of education system by incorporating cost-effective measures. The nature of regions resources, basically oil resources, contributes towards the region’s crucial economic as well as social changes.

These could be clearly seen during the economic boom of between 1970s and early 1980s. And, at the same time, economic recession of late 1980s and 1990s. The sharp increase in the global oil prices in the early 1980s made these countries to recycle windfall oil gains through the lenient welfare system characterized by generosity, and tremendous public investment which focused on infrastructure, utilities as well as basic industries.

In order to cope with these policies, the GCC governments performed the role of first employment resort which consequently led to overcrowding within the public sector as well as increased government expenditures on salary issues. The move made the GCC governments to encourage citizens to join the public service sectors of government through giving them attractive pension as well as social allowances for their respective families.

The social contract structures led to convergence of more than 85% of the native workers within the public employment hence resulting into underemployment. The issue on social contract and its benefits created a society largely influenced by leisure patterns hence increase on the returns towards leisure since people worked less hours but spent much time on vacations.

This made the GCC countries pursue open border policies which welcomed foreign workers; this ensured sufficient supply of labor at competitive wages at all skill levels. However, wages earned by the natives were higher than those of foreign workers at comparable skills.

The countries of the GCC faced unique challenges originating from the fact that the oil resource that they largely depended upon was exhaustible, volatile and at the same time uncertain. The negative effects on the oil market and the economic catastrophe of the 1990s as well as regional conflicts reduced the rate of growth to a large extent within the GCC countries creating strain within the labour markets.

These effects led to budget deficits within the GCC countries leading to retrench of several social programs which ultimately created large loopholes within the employment sector since the governments were later unable to provide sufficient employment opportunities to the public (International Monetary Fund, 2001).

The issue of unemployment can as well be dealt with through collaboration between governments, business and industry. Focus and development of people’s skills and talents makes companies benefit much. Public and private companies should invest much of their resources in developing skills since the ultimate result is endless dividends.

There is an opportunity for policy makers to utilize the presence of expatriates by utilizing their skills in teaching various industries such as carpentry, building and construction. The tradesmen can be utilized to superbly mentor many national apprentices.

The governments can utilize policies which encourages hiring of skilled foreign craftsmen capable of teaching the same skills to the unemployed. Companies dealing with such programs can coordinate well with the government by exchanging their employees with government financial compensation.

GCC member states should treat training as an investment; they should design programs capable of increasing students’ chances to employment in the corporate world by aligning the nature of the courses with industry standards. Similar program yielded results in the countries India and Singapore where they utilized Infosys program to connect campus students with industries in the marketplace.

Such programs play important role in developing GCC human capital since it helps in decreasing the level of skill gap and increase the level of youth’s participation within the marketplace.

Major security threats facing GCC states

One of the security threats facing GCC countries is the intensifying nature of Iran’s nuclear project. Such security dilemmas focuse on some of the crucial aspects found within international politics. There exists what is referred to as classical security dilemma where allocation of resources by governments to programs focused on security issues is never mandatory.

On the same note, the other security dilemma is referred to as alliance dilemma where management of relations amongst state allies and adversaries are done simultaneously. At the same time, majority of the regimes within Persian Gulf indulges in trade-off as a result of over-reliance on protection and policies from foreign countries.

Additionally, there is a profound dilemma amongst Gulf States when it comes to making choices between creating strategic partnerships with foreign agencies and at the same time protecting the region from global rivalries and disputes.

The GCC states are known to be hesitant especially when it comes to creation and implementation of security-based programs. This has made GCC countries be more independent hence focusing on personal interests. There is no major overarching authority capable of providing regional security for the member states.

Such scenario creates moments of discomfort within other states especially in the event that one state carries out security-producing programs for the purposes of safeguarding self-interests. This is since other states might interpret such actions as acts of hostility and grievous threat to regional peace. Actions taken by some states in arming themselves against weak neighbors stage a threat to peaceful intentions from willing states, hence provoking adoption of risky measures for protection purposes.

For instance, improvement in Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities after the Gulf war prompted other neighboring states to upgrade their armament capabilities. Notably, the rise in armory upgrade within Persian Gulf states especially presence of weapons less useful for territorial defense has created unnecessary tension making GCC regional security more dangerous (Lawson, 2004).

Concerning alliance dilemma approach towards adversaries varies between moderate and inordinate belligerence and conciliation analysis methods. Acts of moderate hostility towards adversary member states may at times ignite allies to focus in the process of undertaking adventurous initiatives capable of polarizing the whole region.

Allies within the region are always more attentive towards hostility from adversaries. However, considerate actions towards adversaries at times lead towards preemptive realignment. The other dilemma concerns balancing stability between external and internal defense (Lawson, 2004).

Factors influencing security in GCC states

Some of the major factors influencing security in GCC states include economic status as well as nature of relationship existing amongst the member states, i.e. influence from Iran and Iraq states. GCC appears to be a comprehensive group owing to their close ties to western countries. There is significant degree of mistrust existing between GCC member states and their counterparts Iran and Iraq.

This is based on similar political, economic as well as social systems. Regional turmoil experienced in the Iranian Revolution as well as Iraq-Iran war made security to be one of the most prioritized factors within the GCC region.

However, despite the Arab Gulf states coming together within the framework of multicultural organization, two main antagonists within the region, Iran and Iraq, were left out of the arrangement. This clearly depicts Iran and Iraq, as likely influence on the security deterioration within the region (Lawson, 2004).

Government Interventions in GCC member states

The GCC member states should involve themselves in signing agreements capable of providing necessary peaceful relations amongst the member countries. The agreements should incorporate adequate understanding and being considerate of GCC all states irrespective of their military or resource prowess.

There should also be elaborate consideration on foreign individuals and countries capable of granting them right to foreign establishments including freedom of movement and investment within the region. Majority of restrictive rules various states within GCC applied during earlier regimes should be abolished; these include laws on military restrictions and those based on trade such as discriminatory taxes, restrictions on application and utilization of local commercial inputs and licensing schemes.

In dealing with classical security dilemma, there should be elaborate plans by member countries on ways of improving the level of understanding based on technology and adequate management of available resources. This would assist in enhancing the level of resource allocation within various government sectors. At the same time, it is necessary for governments to retain capital and improve the level of competition since this would assist in building local investment plans (Dadush and Falcao, 2011).

In dealing with alliance dilemma, GCC member states should focus on provision of multilateral service liberization. Member countries should enact regulatory changes favorable to all countries both allies and adversaries. These may include privatization based on acceptable policies and agreements devoid of rigid schemes hence capable of incorporating various government intervention measures towards peaceful coexistence (Almezaini, 2011).

The region is recognized as rich in oil and other minerals hence for the sake of upgrading economic standards of member states, various governments should utilize the non-oil sector for the purposes stabilizing resource outflow from various economic sectors. GCC member states should, at the same time, organize workable policies capable of handling issues within public sector since this helps in improving region’s image and at the same time encourage nationals to invest in skills capable of creating impact within the region.

In addition to this, the governments should ensure necessary measures capable of separating internal and external policies capable of ensuring social benefits within the public sector hence making all states beneficiaries of intended policies. The other sensitive issue is the establishment of clear set of rules dealing with duties, fines and penalties which actually reinforces overall cooperation policies amongst GCC states.

References

Abdulla, A. (1994). The Gulf Cooperation Council, Journal of Social affairs, 9(35)

Almezaini, K. (2011). The UAE Foreign Policy, Middle East International, 5(44), 1-133

Dadush, U., & Falcao, L. (2009). Regional Arrangements in the Arabian Gulf. Deloitte Middle East, Carnegie Policy Outlook, 1, 4-12

International Monetary Fund. (2001).The Cooperation Council of the Arab States of The Gulf (GCC): Strategy for Sustainable Growth with Macroeconomic Stability. IMF Washington DC.

Lawson, F. (2004. Security Dilemmas in the contemporary Persian Gulf, Middle East International, 2(32).

Sasley, B. (2011). International Relations through IR Theory, Ortadoğu Etütleri, 2(2), 9 32.

Shimko, K. (2009). International Relations Perspectives, Controversies and Readings, Purdue University: Wordsworth Cengage Learning

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