The speaker discussed various international relations
theories regarding the durability of international
coalitions. He looked at prevailing intellectual
schools and discussed his own theory based on sociopsychological
research and on common identity
between different communities. The main premise
is that transnational identities lead, at times, to the
preservation of coalitions. Moving to the GCC and
the Arab Cooperation Council, he highlighted the
challenging historic moments that threatened both
councils alike. While they led to the disintegration
of the Arab Cooperation Council, they solidified the
GCC. Finally, the speaker discussed the significance
of this situation for the future of the GCC and for the
region.