The Strategic Alternatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Disruption of Maritime Traffic in the Arabian Gulf as a Result of Iranian Threats to Close the Strait of Hormuz

Abstract

The Arabian Gulf is a strategically significant region of the world with regard to the global energy supply chain as well as maritime trade and commerce. For the past three decades, this region and the Strait of Hormuz, in particular, have witnessed major crises, wars, and foreign interventions that have undermined the stability, peace, and security of the region. Since the collapse of Saddam's regime, Iran has found propitious opportunity to pursue regional hegemony. In the name of national security, nuclear ambitions, and protection of its self-interests, Iran has repeatedly threatened international passage, disrupted maritime shipping, and interrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz. In counterpoint, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has pursued a collective security approach to ensuring free oil flow, supporting stability, and maintaining security in the region. Despite these efforts, the situation remains tumultuous, confrontational, and uncertain. Therefore, the GCC must consider strategic alternatives to establish a regional balance of power, achieve a sustainable stability, and ensure security in the Arabian Gulf region. What are the GCC's strategic alternatives in case Iran blocks maritime traffic through the strait of Hormuz? (1) construct safe alternative pipelines and seaports, (2) pursue a policy of economic diversification, (3) pursue self-reliance in regional security, (4) establish external and internal security forces for the GCC, (5) strengthen the maritime capabilities of the Peninsula Shield Force, (6) form an alliance with Turkey, (7) exploit Oman's good relations with Iran for the common good, (8) transition to the Gulf Union, and (9) establish strategic oil reserves through a partnership with the OPEC states.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA560479

Entities

People

  • Mohamed K. Al-kaabi

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Foreign Relations
  • Geography
  • Globalization
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • Marine Transportation
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Naval Warfare
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Sociopolitics
  • Terrorists
  • Treaties
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union