The Persian Gulf and the West: The Dilemma of Security

This volume provides a broadly comparative and historical re-examination of the fundamental strategic dilemmas that confront the Western world in the Persian Gulf region. This systematic study of how the West has defined and dealt with its security interests in this region reveals three central strategic dilemmas: strategy versus capability, globalism versus regionalism, and unilateralism versus collectivism. The first part of the book focuses  on US policy with particular emphasis on the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The author explains why there has been a persistent gap between American perceptions of the Middle East and the political and strategic realities of the region. The second part of the book examines the frustrated efforts of NATO members to form a cooperative response to their collective interests in the region.

Book by Charles A. Kupchan, Author

April 8, 2011

Book
Foreign policy analyses written by CFR fellows and published by the trade presses, academic presses, or the Council on Foreign Relations Press.

Explore More on Middle East and North Africa

Palestinian Territories

What Is Hamas?
The Palestinian armed group has struggled to govern Gaza. Yet, it remains committed to resisting Israel and unlikely to reconcile with Palestinian leadership in the West Bank.

Backgrounder by Zachary Laub and Kali Robinson August 8, 2023

Middle East and North Africa

The Arab League
Founded as a loose confederation of states in 1945, the Arab League has struggled to overcome dysfunction and disunity among its members.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters and Mohammed Aly Sergie May 25, 2023

Middle East and North Africa

Yemen’s Tragedy: War, Stalemate, and Suffering
Yemen’s internal divisions and a Saudi-led military intervention have spawned an intractable political, military, and humanitarian crisis.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson May 1, 2023

Top Stories on CFR

United States

What Is Temporary Protected Status?
Temporary protected status has long been used as a humanitarian solution for migrants who are unable to return home safely, but efforts to give them a path to citizenship have reignited the debate around the U.S. immigration policy.  

Backgrounder by Diana Roy and Claire Klobucista September 21, 2023 Renewing America

Women and Women's Rights

UN Members See Need for Ramped-Up Progress on Gender Equality
The world’s nations are lagging woefully behind in meeting targets for achieving gender equality by 2030, but a new round of initiatives has stirred hope of progress.

In Brief by Linda Robinson September 21, 2023 Women and Foreign Policy Program

United States

Biden at the UN: Inclusive Internationalism
Amid renewed calls for changes in the world order, U.S. President Joe Biden sought to stress his support for greater inclusion of developing nations in addressing economic, social, and climate concerns.

In Brief by Esther Brimmer September 19, 2023