This open access book provides an in-depth exploration of the Arabian Gulf, explaining the pivotal role of conflict in shaping this geopolitically significant region over the past century. Understanding the historical context of conflicts in this region helps explain the major ongoing tensions between major players such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and external powers like the UK, the United States and more recently China. The narrative spans major historical events, from the two World Wars to the smaller conflicts of decolonization, and more recent conflicts such as the first and second Gulf Wars and the Hamas-Israel war. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and enduring factors that perpetuate conflict in the Gulf, as well as how historical developments are intricately connected to contemporary events. Through this examination of what can be termed as ‘geostrategy’, it clarifies the strategic importance of the Gulf across time and assesses the broader ramifications of conflict in the Gulf for the Middle East region and the international system. In so doing, it also provides an insightful analysis of the region's complex mosaic of religious, ethnic, and political divisions, which reinforce and undermine the stability of this distinctive regional security complex. As such, it is of interest to historians, scholars engaged in global and regional security studies and policymakers seeking to comprehend the intricate dynamics of this critical region.
