The Persian Gulf is a contested political terrain. The security of regional countries is influenced by a complicated web of strategic, political and cultural variables. It is also a key focus for the national security strategy of the United States. Notwithstanding the diversity of the region, the countries within it face a unique set of social, political, and economic challenges, particularly in comparison to other developing regions. The central focus of the course will be the forces for continuity and change in the Gulf, and the interaction of domestic and external actors and factors shaping the Gulf security environment. It will review internal political and economic trends, the dealings of Gulf states with each other, and their relations with the United States. It will then discuss the role and interests of the United States in the region, and the implications for the United States and its alliance partners of regional developments in the Gulf and surrounding areas. It will conclude with an examination of political and security developments and the regional outlook following the removal of the Saddam Hussein regime.

• Identify domestic and external actors and factors shaping the security environment of the Gulf;
• Understand the global strategic importance of Gulf energy reserves;
• Understand the security perceptions of the United States and regional countries, and the challenges they face;
• Discuss and debate critically the ideas that have been advanced to deal with core unresolved regional issues; and
• Discuss alternative futures for the region, their strategic implications and prospects for developing regional security architecture.

One 4,500 word essay (60%) and three-hour examination (40%).

One two-hour seminar per week

N. Bensahel and D. Byman, (eds), The Future Security Environment in the Middle East: Conflict, Stability, and Political Change, RAND Corporation, 2004.
K. Pollack, "Securing the Gulf", Foreign Affairs, 82, 4, July-August 2003.