It’s truly the time of reckoning for Gulf and the Asian region, both strategically positioned in the new world order. The dynamics of international relations in both the regions are undergoing broad and fundamental changes that are reverberating around the world. Primary among the catalysts of change is the rise of Asia as the engine of world economic growth, as a significant voice in multilateral diplomacy, and as a proactive power in international institutions; and Gulf region’s increasing trade and economic relations with Asia. Against this background, it is therefore crucial to understand the dynamics that have contributed to the recognition of Asia as a significant economic ally for the Gulf countries and the scope for intensifying interaction in the political and security scenarios. With Asia currently accounting for about 30 percent of the world’s oil demand and touted to increase a great deal more during the next two decades, cooperation between the biggest producers and consumers of oil has no other way, but forward. The fact that the Gulf countries have called for prioritizing economic cooperation with Asian countries and adopted a ‘Look East’ policy is evidence of the growing camaraderie. Interestingly, the robust engagement in the economic realm also comes at a time of introspection among the Gulf countries in the political and circumspection in the security arenas. This is certain to influence and impact the long-term political economy of the countries in the region and shape international relations in the years ahead. It is widely felt that, since Gulf-Asia relations are evolving in the environment of wide ranging geopolitical and geoeconomic changes in the post 9/11 era, it is apt to explore and assess the changing contours of international relations from the regional perspective. In this regard, GRC is pursuing a book volume to be edited by Dr. Samir Pradhan, (Senior Researcher, Gulf-Asia Program, can be contacted at spradhan@grc.ae)
With in-depth assessments by leading experts, this groundbreaking volume shall offer the timeliest, up-to-date, and comprehensive analysis on the future contours of vibrant Gulf-Asia relations and their bearing on the contemporary discourse on international relations. Providing the best overview we currently have of the changing geopolitical balance in both Gulf and the Asian continent, this accessible volume will be essential reading for anyone concerned with contemporary Gulf-Asian affairs. It may be noted that GRC considers Gulf region from the geopolitical point of view comprising six GCC countries namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE along with Iran, Iraq and Yemen. Similarly, Asia represents the whole region comprising, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, ASEAN, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Broad Themes/Contents (Tentative)
Part 1. Contextualizing Gulf-Asia Relations in the Global Geopolitical Perspective
1.1 Unfolding the Legacy: Historical Overview
1.2 Beyond Geo-economics: Reconceptualizing Gulf-Asian Relations
1.3 Gulf Perspectives on Gulf-Asia Relations
Part 2. Economic Dimensions
2.1 Gulf-Asia Economic Relations: World Perspective
2.2 Regional Economic Integration: Comparative Analysis (GCC with ASEAN, SAARC, and FTAs)
2.3 Country/Regional overview: Issues and Challenges
Part 3. Political and Security Dimensions
3.1 Country/regional overview
3.2 The Crisis of Security in Gulf and its Relevance to Asia
3.3 Presence of Superpowers and Implications for evolving Strategic Ties in Gulf-Asia
3.4 Non-Traditional Security: Energy Security
Part 4. Partnership for Development
4.1 Learning from Each Other
Part 5. Towards a Trajectory
5.1 Globalization and Gulf-Asia Relationship
5.2 Common Agenda and Action Points
Conclusion
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