Realist approaches to gcc policies: Power, security, and strategic shifts in a changing middle east

This research explores the geopolitical strategies and policies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries within the context of shifting power dynamics in the Middle East. It applies a realist framework to analyze how these states, particularly in light of the diminishing influence of the United States, are recalibrating their security priorities, alliances, and foreign policy decisions. The research emphasizes that the GCC states prioritize survival, security, and power in a competitive geopolitical environment. These states increasingly navigate regional threats and opportunities through conventional diplomacy and strategic partnerships, as exemplified by the Abraham Accords and their engagement with Israel. Additionally, the study highlights the growing role of non-state actors in shaping regional dynamics by using proxy forces, especially Iran, to expand influence and counter regional rivals. It examines how their perceptions of power and security influence the GCC states' responses to U.S. foreign policy shifts. The research provides valuable insights into the ongoing strategic evolution of the GCC states, offering a comprehensive understanding of how they respond to the changing geopolitical landscape through a lens focused on power, security, and national survival.