The Code of 2017 Qatar-GCC Diplomatic Crisis: The Trial of the Status Quo with Change

Abstract

This article aims to provide a synopsis of the geopolitical framework that emerged from the Gulf crisis, which began with the dispute between Qatar and other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries but spread beyond the area. On June 5, 2017, the Arab Quartet—consisting of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt—suddenly cut off all economic and diplomatic ties with Qatar and instituted a land and air embargo, accusing the country of being too close to Iran and providing material and moral support to terrorist groups. This move stunned the international community. Demands were set for Qatar to fulfil in full within a few days following the embargo. With time new alliances emerged, as the Gulf states are looking beyond the GCC as their principal regional partner. Given the intricacy of the regional conflicts, the new regional alignments seem expected to be more indicative of evolving coalitions based on issues than static alliances. This article examines the GCC crisis through the lens of the neorealist balance of power theory, which seeks to explain and understand the issue via the transformation of regional power dynamics. Knowing full well that the Gulf States are somewhat divided and distrustful of one another, this will undoubtedly persist in regional politics for some time. The region is already struggling with many uprisings, rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, happening around the same time just makes matters worse. This paper examines the background of the conflict and offers some suggestions as to why Qatar decided to move alliances.

Keywords

Foreign Policy; Diplomatic Conflict; Saudi Arabia; Qatar; Balance of Power