The role of extra-regional actors in the security arrangements of the Persian Gulf

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Ph.D. student, Department of International Relations, Gilan University, Rasht, Iran

Abstract

Competition and conflict in the strategic region of the Persian Gulf due to the multiplicity of stakeholders at the regional and extra-regional surface that are involved in it is a significant source of instability and affects the regional arena as well. In the context of the role of extra-regional actors in the security of the Persian Gulf and considering that in recent years the security trends of the Persian Gulf have been faced with a variety of partnerships and defence cooperation, there are generally two dominant approaches. The first approach is based on regional realities, complex conflicts and competitions. In this approach, to ensure the balance of power, it is necessary to form alliances and maximize military power and deterrence. The second approach, which is a comprehensive security structure related to cooperation in the fields of trade, environment, energy, maritime security and counter-terrorism, recommends a suitable strategy to gradually achieve a security system with the participation of all parties. Therefore, the research question is what is the motivation of these security trends and what arrangements do they refer to in the region and are the dynamics in question likely to lead to a deep change in the security of the Persian Gulf or not? It is assumed that due to the constant fluctuations in this strategic region, the initiation and implementation of a security mechanism that involves all relevant factors is an issue that needs more attention. Accordingly, there is no such mechanism and the existing arrangements and security regimes do not provide a platform for all actors in the Persian Gulf region, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, to have security and defence interactions with each other.

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Defense Policy
Volume 31, Issue 120 - Serial Number 3
Autumn Quarterly
December 2022
Pages 39-66

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 July 2021
  • Revise Date: 16 December 2021
  • Accept Date: 07 December 2022

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