GULF STATES STUDIES

Quentin de Pimodan
(Member, International Advisory Board, Research Institute
for European and American Studies (RIEAS), Athens, Greece )

Copyright: Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 18 July 2020

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)

One common characteristic the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union share as of today, is their lack of ability to coordinate their foreign policies. Forcing both to act in smaller “units” composed of several members of their respective unions. If internal mechanisms can still reveal efficient cooperating platforms on issues of common interests (military trainings , anti-corruption , culture , maritime security ), the competing goals among countries push them to favor bilateral engagements rather than multilateral platforms. It is in that vein that several countries of the GCC and of the EU are now deepening their ties outside of the unions’ frameworks and based on short-terms convergence of interests. Another common characteristic both unions share, is the acknowledgement of the United-States’ disengagement from the Gulf region, and the strong hints of US’s willingness to reduce its presence and support to its EU partners . ..Read more

Aleksander Olech
(RIEAS Research Associate, & Phd Candidate, War Studies University, Poland)

Copyright: Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 20 April 2020

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)

Abstract

From the beginning of the 21st century, terrorism has been evolving to take the form of various acts of violence committed by terrorists. It is characterized by close relation to history and the political situation in the world. The development of research on security in the 21st century in Europe clearly shows that security is an independent research discipline whose main goal is to obtain a multi-faceted, profound and synthetic picture of reality, perspectives and threats. Due to this, it is vital to analyse contemporary threats for Central Europe.

Currently, Western European countries are struggling the most with intra-state terrorism. Its effects lead to the destabilization of national integrity and threaten social security. This situation is also important for neighbouring countries and international organizations they belong to, such as the European Union or NATO. Moreover, terrorism is growing in the Balkans and the Caucasus region. The emerging threats make Central Europe vulnerable on all sides...Read more

Shaul Shay
(Senior research fellow at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzeliya (IDC) and former Deputy Head of Israel National Security Council)

Copyright: Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 20 April 2020

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)

The Houthis rebels, backed by Iran took Sanaa by force in 2014, overthrowing President Hadi and heading south and east, with the assumption they could take over the whole country. Saudi Arabia and the coalition forces launched a war in March 2015 to uproot the Houthis from Sanaa and restore President Hadi to power. The conflict, widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. After five years of fighting, neither the Hadi government and the Saudi led coalition nor the Houthi insurgents have accomplished their original goals...Read more

Copyright © 2019 Kassandros. All rights reserved- Reproduction permitted provided the author www.kassandros.gr is mentioned. Publication at RIEAS web site (www.rieas.gr) on 21 December 2019.

The advancing decomposition of the State of Iraq illuminates the evolution of the instability in the greater Middle East area. Both Iraq and Syria were greatly tested by the explosive growth of the fighting ISIS. Syria managed to survive it thanks to the simultaneous support of Russia, Iran, and Syrian Kurdish Forces, Iraq lost Iraqi Kurdistan and managed to survive ISIS with the support of the Shia Militias of Iraq, which developed their strength with the ideological, financial and material support of Iran. Read more