This book brings together the papers presented at ‘Gulf Security: Identifying and Confronting the Challenges,’ a symposium held at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) on February 24, 2020. Highlighting the various challenges faced by GCC countries, amid the region’s strategic and geopolitical significance, the book examines the Gulf’s influence over global trade routes and its role in maintaining international energy security. The book underscores the vital importance of international cooperation and sound Arab leadership in the face of a growing number of challenges and threats, particularly against the backdrop of external interference in regional issues.

Several regional issues of global significance are explored, including the Iranian crisis and the resultant risks to maritime security amid repeated threats to close the Strait of Hurmuz. In responding to these issues, the book emphasizes the importance of pursuing political action to avoid military conflict in the region, which would result in catastrophic damage to the regional and wider global economy and global security. The book also addresses the transition from oil and gas to renewable energy, focusing on the implications for the GCC. Finally, the balance of international and intra-regional alliances in the Middle East is covered, examining the role of Russia, the US and China in response to the challenges that undermine the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region.