Post-Cold War International Relations in the Gulf Region (Figures, Maps)

Author: Liu Yueqin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-01
Features: Between the eight Gulf countries (Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar), as well as neighboring countries such as Turkey and Israel, there exist intricate relationships. The Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s and the Gulf War of the 1990s were concentrated reflections of this complex relationship. As the only superpower after the Cold War, the United States actively intervened in and meddled in Gulf affairs, which, of course, was part of its global strategy. The development and changes in international relations in the Gulf region after the Cold War once again confirmed the decisive role of the "interest principle." In international relations, factors such as political ideology and national traditions are often secondary compared to interests. The actions of countries like Kuwait, which are pro-American and anti-Iranian, relying on world hegemony to resist regional hegemony, will also lead to complex consequences. In the 21st century, the United States will still rely on Gulf oil, Iraq will strive to break the blockade, and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will remain vigilant. Therefore, new arms races and armed conflicts are hard to avoid.