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We are excited to announce that all the articles of the Spring 2024 issue of Middle East Policy have been published.
This special issue, titled “The Persian Gulf and the US-China Rivalry”, is sponsored by the ChinaMed Project, the al-Sabah Programme at Durham University, and the Middle East Policy Council; and was edited by ChinaMed Director Professor Enrico Fardella, ChinaMed Head of Research Professor Andrea Ghiselli, and by the director of Durham University’s al-Sabah Programme Professor Anoush Ehteshami.
The articles of this special issue, written by top scholars and experts from across the region and beyond, examine the growing US-China rivalry’s impact on Gulf states.
Here below, you will find summaries and links to the special issue’s articles. If you have issues accessing them, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to share a PDF copy with you.
by Andrea GHISELLI & Anoushiravan EHTESHAMI
In this special issue’s introductory article, the authors explore the Persian Gulf’s emergence as a key arena in the growing US-China rivalry, and how this transition manifests. The Gulf can be as a “barometer of the evolving global power balances” and is characterized by its abundant energy resources, resulting wealth, and central geographic location. China now faces the delicate task of deepening ties with Gulf states while avoiding conflict with the US. Conversely, Washington, after a period of directing its attention further east, must recalibrate its focus back to the region to contain Beijing's influence.
by Ruth HANAU SANTINI & Paolo WULZER
This article explores the application of international-relations theory to the Gulf, examining key developments during two periods of the region’s history: firstly, from the 1970s to the end of the 1980s, and secondly, from the early 1990s to the Arab Spring in the 2010s. The Gulf’s role has shifted from the Cold War era to the modern day, and international-relations theories can offer “useful toolkits to account for transformation, both from outside-in as well as inside-out perspectives.”
by Enrico FARDELLA & SHE Gangzheng
This article dissects the evolution of China’s policy towards the Gulf, tracing Beijing’s decisions and approach to engagement with the region from the mid-20th century to the present day. Through this historical examination, the influence of Maoism emerges prominently, with Mao’s anti-hegemonic stance and theory of intermediate zones influencing China’s lack of an assertive policy in the region. However, the authors argue, the Sino-American rivalry may drive China to take a more proactive role.
By Mai ALFARHAN & Mohammed ALSUDAIRI
This article explains how economic trends from Chinese stock exchanges reveal an upward trajectory in the scale and diversity of investments by Gulf sovereign wealth funds, particularly those of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. This rising engagement with the Chinese market is expected to continue as the funds diversify into growing sectors, with the potential for the creation of “a mini petro-yuan system.”
by Mohamed BIN HUWAIDIN
In this article, the UAE’s position between Washington and Beijing is analyzed, as Abu Dhabi seeks to take advantage of the superpowers’ rivalry to best secure its interests. The Gulf state has a long history of security cooperation with the United States, but China offers greater opportunity for economic investment and technological growth. Also underpinning the UAE’s calculus is concern over the threat from Iran, which lies at the heart of the partnership with the US. Abu Dhabi is also looking to further integrate with China to prevent it from fully aligning with Iran.
By Amjed RASHEED
This article analyzes Iraq’s place between the US and China. The country’s relatively weak state leaves in an unstable position and forces Baghdad to remain a largely neutral, responsive partner for both states in the face of Sino-American competition. Despite a rocky history with the US, Iraq continues to welcome its role as a critical security partner and is not able to risk losing such protection. China has become a vital economic partner for the state in its willingness to bypass Western sanctions to maintain trade and investment, and at times, provide weapons.
By Sara BAZOOBANDI
This article shows how the growing Sino-American rivalry has prompted Iran to seek closer ties with China, reflecting Tehran’s continued commitment to create an “Axis of Resistance.” Unlike the US, China has a long history of positive relations with Iran, including economic ties by bypassing sanctions and engaging on issues like the nuclear question. China’s increasing role is also encouraging Iran to adjust its approach in the Gulf, notably by signing a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia facilitated by Beijing.
By Gedaliah AFTERMAN & Dominika URHOVÁ
This article examines how China’s engagement with Gulf powers has increased its economic, political, and military influence while also expanding the power of regional actors through a renewed capacity for diversification and opportunities for investment. A majority of Middle Eastern states have signed onto China’s Belt and Road Initiative and welcomed technology and investment partnerships; among them US partners like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. The increased willingness to welcome Chinese engagement is based on rising concern that the US is withdrawing from the region while Beijing’s influence is growing.
By Rachel MORELAND
This article contends that the increasingly common narrative that the US is withdrawing from the Gulf is false; Washington is instead recalibrating its policy with respect to China’s growing presence in the region. China has taken a significant role in the Gulf, moving from an economic partner to an increasingly politically engaged foreign actor. After brokering a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Beijing proved it was able to play a role the US had been struggling to. The US has struggled in recent years to navigate relations with controversial partners like Saudi Arabia and the UAE; however, it has maintained a strong security presence in the Gulf and is targeting specific Chinese investments, including technology development.
We sincerely hope you find reading these articles enlightening. Once again, if you have issues accessing them, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to share a PDF copy with you.
