Security in the Persian Gulf: Origins, Obstacles, and the Search for Consensus

This book is a follow-up volume to the acclaimed The Persian Gulf at the Millennium: Essays in Politics, Economy, Security and Religion , published by St. Martin's Press in 1997. The same editors, who direct the Gulf/2000 Project at Columbia University, have assembled a number of leading experts on the Persian Gulf to reflect on factors affecting security there in the twenty-first century. Most contributors are from the region itself and for the first time share the results of ongoing research with an outside audience. The chapters profile the diverse society in the Gulf and the historical pattern of Gulf security, before focusing on current security concerns between Iran and the Arab states. They explore the mutual perceptions of the peoples of the Gulf today and the role of the new generation in shaping its future.

Table of Contents:
The Historical Pattern of Gulf Security; J.E.Peterson The Gulf's Ethnic Diversity: An Evolutionary History; M.Izady The Erosion of Consensus: Perceptions of GCC States of a Changing Region; I.A.Karawan The Regional Security System in the Persian Gulf; S.Lotfian On the Persian Gulf Islands: An Iranian Perspective; J.Roshandel The Islands Question: An Arabian Perspective; H.Al-Alkim The Islands Dispute: A Commentary; R.Schofield The New Generation in Saudi Arabia: Cultural Change, Political Identity, and Regime Security; M.Yamani The Coming Generation in Iran: Challenges and Opportunities; H.Semati Mutual Realities, Perceptions and Impediments Between the GCC States and Iran: GCC Views; A.K.Al-Shayji Looking for Deliverance: Iraq and the Gulf; R.Alkadiri Mutual Perceptions in the Persian Gulf Region: An Iranian Perspective; B.Khajehpour-Khouei

About the Author :
GARY G. SICK is Executive Director of the Gulf/2000 Project at Columbia University, where he is also Adjunct Professor of International Affairs. He formerly served on the U.S. National Security Council as the principal White House aide for Persian Gulf Affairs from 1976 to 1981. LAWRENCE G. POTTER is Deputy Director of Gulf/2000 and Adjunct Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Columbia University.

Review :
'...situates the region in world politics from the time of the Portugese emipre to the present.' - Foreign Affairs '...[a] timely collection of essays. They deserve to be read.' - Middle East Policy 'In this timely and comprehensive volume, the editors have put together an interesting an informative collection of articles...' - Choice