The Limitations of US Foreign Policy Towards the Middle East

Authors

  • Author

  • Ross Harrison

Keywords:

Balance of Power, Foreign Policy, The Gulf, United States

Abstract

US and Gulf relations are based on more than self-interest, but common selfinterest is always a key (or the key) factor in shaping an alliance and strategic relationship. The key common self-interests that drives US and Arab Gulf relations are security – the need to deal with Iran, fighting extremism, and securing the flow of petroleum exports out of the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula to meet the needs of the global economy, and to provide the key source of income for the Gulf states. This study explains why the United States maintains close ties with its Arab strategic partners in the Gulf. The study finds out that the US and its Gulf strategic partners face serious challenges, including domestic political change in the US, divisions between Arab states, the impact of regional conflicts and instability, and the growing role of non-Western powers.

Author Biography

  • Ross Harrison
    Researcher, Middle East Institute, Washington DC.

References

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Published

2019-09-01

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Issue

Vol. 7 No. 040 (2019): Issue 040

Section

Studies

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Copyright (c) 2019 Ross Harrison (Author)

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