The Gulf Rise in International Politics: The Role of the Gulf Arab States After Regional and International Developments (2022–2025)
Post Graduate Institute for Accounting & Financial Studies, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
Iman Abdul Adheem Kadhim
College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
Abstract
In recent years, the Gulf region has increasingly asserted itself as a significant actor within both regional and international frameworks, with its influence in global affairs continuously expanding. The Gulf Arab states have emerged as proactive and influential participants in a wide array of regional and international matters, earning recognition as dependable partners for nations around the world in confronting escalating global challenges while also contributing to the advancement of peace, stability, and development. This evolving role has become particularly prominent during major global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This study seeks to explore the expanding role of the Arab Gulf states in promoting security at both regional and international levels, with particular focus on their strategies for managing security-related challenges. The central research problem addresses the question: In what ways does the expanding foreign policy of the Arab Gulf states affect the international system, and what obstacles accompany this expansion? The research is underpinned by the hypothesis that the Gulf's rising prominence within the global order is the outcome of multifaceted political and economic strategies designed to foster both regional and global collaboration. The findings of this study suggest that intra-Gulf cooperation constitutes a critical element in overcoming emerging challenges, thereby enhancing the collective capacity of these states to exert influence within international political arenas. The research is organised into three main sections, followed by a concluding chapter that outlines the principal findings and offers relevant recommendations.