Introduction
The United Arab Emirates plays a critical role in the enhancing the security of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Being a founding member of this council, the United Arab Emirates had done everything to ensure that the region remains secure for the social, economic, and political benefit of the member states. However, the region is currently considered one of the most unstable places on earth currently due to failed governments and emergence of terror groups (Colombo, 2014). A number of countries in the region and the international society have been trying to find ways of improving the security in the region, including the United Arab Emirates. The current political instability in various countries in the region and the security threat it poses to individual countries shows that a lot more still has to be done to improve the security of the region. In this paper, the researcher will primarily focus on the role of the United Arab Emirates in the GCC security.
Discussion
Commercial and diplomatic relations
According to Colombo (2014), the greed for political power and economic gains are some of the major factors that contribute to the political instability that has been witnessed in the Gulf Coast Council member countries. The United Arab Emirates, in its foreign relations policies, has played a significant role in influencing the security of the region. It is important to look at the specific areas where this firm has played significant roles in enhancing security of the region through its commercial and diplomatic relations.
Role in OPEC
Gulf Coast Council is known for its reach oil reserves. The region is one of the leading oil producers in the world. According to Colombo (2014), conflict over natural resources is one of the leading reasons for the rampant insecurity in the Gulf countries. The United Arab Emirates, alongside Saudi Arabia and their allies, have been trying to ensure that they use their influence in OPEC to ensure that militants in the region do not get access to the international oil markets. Having access to the international oil markets by the terror groups may enable them to get the finances they need to buy arms and to recruit fighters, a fact that may further jeopardize the security in the region. The efforts of United Arab Emirates and its allies of denying these insurgencies of the much needed finances has significantly helped in limited the sources of funds for these groups.
Role in UN
The United Nations plays a significant role in enhancing security not only within the GCC states but also in other countries around the world. Member states, through its Security Council and Assembly, have been sending troops in the region to help in promoting peace and security. The United Arab Emirates has been one of the nations championing for increased involvement of the United Nations in promoting peace in the region (Colombo, 2014). It has even sent its own troops on various occasions to be part of the UN peace keeping forces in the region. In 2016, the United Arab Emirates announced its commitment to protecting women and children living in armed conflict areas during a UN Security Council’s debate (Devarajan, Devarajan, & Mottaghi, 2016). In 2014, the government of the United Arab Emirates contributed a sum of USD 500,000 to help in various programs, including peace keeping missions. Such contributions are very important in supporting the presence of troops keeping peace and security in the region.
Relations with US
The United States, being the only Super Power following the collapse of USSR, has a major responsibility in promoting peace and political stability not only in the Arab countries but also in many other countries around the world. According to Devarajan et al. (2016), the United States has been actively involved in the conflicts within the Arab world, always trying to restore peace and democracy. Although the exact motive of the United States in its involvement in this conflicts may be an issue of discussion because of the allegations that have been made against it, the truth of the matter is that this Super Power is actively involved in these conflicts, always trying to defend the civilians who lack military capacity to protect themselves (Devarajan et al. 2016). The United Arab Emirates has kept very close ties with the United States for a very long time. The UAE often try to influence the decisions taken by the United States in the region. It is one of the closest allies of the United States in the region.
Role in Afghanistan
A section of the International Relations scholars have blamed the United Arab Emirates for its involvement in the Afghan internal politics that led the country into political turmoil it is experiencing to this day. The United Arab Emirates was one of the few countries that supported Taliban and recognized its legitimacy when it ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 (Devarajan et al. 2016). It ignored the atrocities committed by Taliban even when the international community clearly indicated that the regime was committing crime against humanity. In 2001 when it became apparent that the United States had made a resolve to attack Afghanistan and that it had gotten the support of Britain and France, United Arab Emirates quickly withdrew its recognition of Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan without making proper justification about the change of mind. As Colombo (2014) says, although this is an issue that is still open for debate, the United Arab Emirates should have been more responsible in its role in the conflict.
Relations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan
The United Arab Emirates has maintained close political, social, and economic ties with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan for a very long time. This close tie helps in fostering peace in the region. It means that the two countries can address any conflicts that may arise in amicable way without resorting to military actions (Devarajan et al. 2016). In most of the cases, these allies have often acted together to address some of the conflicts in the region. For instance, the United Arab Emirates joined Egypt, Sudan, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Morocco in the Saudi-led invasion of Syria to help the internationally recognized leader regain control of the country after he was overthrown by the Houthi rebels.
Military relations
The United Arab Emirates had a well-established military that is responsible for protecting its borders and participating in peace keeping missions in the region. According to Colombo (2014), the United Arab Emirates’ military played a significant role during the Gulf War. It hosted the United States‘equipment and troops and was a major play in the war that helped in freeing Kuwait from the invasion by Iraqi forces. During the Libyan uprising, the United Arab Emirates sent its fighter jets to help enforce a no-fly-zone agreement. Its role helped in forcing Libyan strongman Muhamar Gadaffi out of power in 2011 (Colombo, 2014).
According to Devarajan et al. (2016), the United Arab Emirates has maintained a close military ties with the West. This close relation with the West has been critical in enhancing security in the region. Although not a member of GCC, Israel plays a critical role when it comes to the security of the region. The close relations between the United Arab Emirates military and the West has ensured that UAE does not engage in any military actions against Israel although the two countries have often had frosty relations.
Conclusion
Gulf Coast Council member states have always been keen on ensuring that the region has political stability. The countries can only achieve socio-political and economic success if they maintain security in the region. As shown in the above discussion, the security of the entire Middle East is very significant in ensuring that the GCC states are secure. Having an instable neighbor may pose serious security challenges to these states, and that explains why the United Arab Emirates has been championing for enhanced security in the region. Being one of the emerging economic powers in the region, UAE has been playing a major role in enhancing security in the GCC. Its foreign relations are not only meant to protect its interest in the regional and international platforms but also to protect its regional allies. As this country has been working very closely with its neighbors and the international community to ensure that there is security in the region.
References
Colombo, S. (2014). Bridging the Gulf: EU-GCC relations at a crossroads. New York: Springer.
Devarajan, S., Devarajan, S., & Mottaghi, L. (2016). Middle East and North Africa Economic Monitor April 2016: Syria, Reconstruction for Peace.