Geopolitical Futures

In today’s Memo: Ukraine Strikes St. Petersburg

In 1981, six Arab countries bordering the Persian Gulf established the Gulf Cooperation Council to counter the threat posed by Iran and Iraq, their stronger and more ambitious neighbors. But the GCC countries failed to achieve full military cooperation and defense integration, at least in part due to their divergent perceptions of regional threats, history of relying on international alliances and lack of a binding, unified command.

The GCC today faces a strategic dilemma that extends beyond balancing against Iranian influence, which has been diminished but not destroyed by the events of the past few years. - Hilal Khashan

In 1981, six Arab countries bordering the Persian Gulf established the Gulf Cooperation Council to counter the threat posed by Iran and Iraq, their stronger and more ambitious neighbors. But the GCC countries failed to achieve full military cooperation and defense integration, at least in part due to their divergent perceptions of regional threats, history of relying on international alliances and lack of a binding, unified command.

The GCC today faces a strategic dilemma that extends beyond balancing against Iranian influence, which has been diminished but not destroyed by the events of the past few years. - Hilal Khashan