Conclusion: The Gulf Paradox

Abstract

Over the decade and a half since the turn of the millennium, the Gulf States have evolved into regional powers with international reach. The chapters in this book have illustrated the scope and scale of the new linkages binding the GCC states to a global order that itself is in a state of flux following the world financial crisis of 2007–2008. Using their substantive energy resources and capital accumulation as leverage, Qatar, the UAE, and even Saudi Arabia became more active in global issues. The emergence of the Gulf States as visible global actors predated the Arab Spring, but accelerated and acquired a potent new dimension once the initial shock of the upheaval had subsided. As a result, the Gulf States led the regional response to the pressures triggered by the political upheaval in a display of ‘hard’ power that went far beyond the projection of ‘soft’ and ‘smart’ power prior to 2011.