A comparative theoretical study of the dynamics of security architecture in the gulf regional system since the Arab uprisings 2011-2021

Abstract EN

Objective: The study seeks to understand the dynamics of Gulf relations in the post-Arab Spring period from a comparative theoretical perspective.

Methods: the study is built upon a comparative approach, where I am critically engaged with the mainstream theories in the field of International Relations (IR) namely neo-realism, neoliberal institutionalism, and the English school regarding the behavior of small states and the Arab Gulf region.

Hypothetically, such a comparative approach could help us articulate and understand the regional (and international) dynamics and transformations that took place in the Arabian Gulf region in the last decade, away from the deeply political, charged, and biased writings that construct and produce the knowledge about the region.

Results: The results show that compared to neoliberal institutionalism and the English school in IR, neorealism represents the most comprehensive theoretical alternative capable of articulating the complex dynamics of the security, strategic and political architectures of the Arab Gulf, and international relations of the Gulf countries.

Conclusion: Due to structural features of the Gulf “security” system, the regional balance of power, and heavily loaded security considerations of the region, the neorealist approach is the most appropriate for understanding the dynamics of Gulf-Gulf relations in the post-revolution stage.