Geostrategic importance of Persian Gulf

Abstract

This thesis which is submitted for the award of the PhD, tries to analyze the Geostrategic Importance of the Persian Gulf Region. The Middle East and its sub-region, Persian Gulf region, have long been amongst the most volatile regions of the world and major centers of world affairs; strategically, economically, politically, culturally, and religiously sensitive areas. The location of the Persian Gulf has given the region a significant economic and strategic position. Both the Middle East and Persian Gulf region remain areas of unresolved and dangerous conflict involving the external powers, arms proliferation and ethnic and religious hatreds that go back centuries. Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are the states around this water basin. The Persian Gulf and its coastal areas are the world's largest single source of crude oil and related industries dominate the region. Due to their huge oil and gas resources, the regional states play a significant role in global economy and these natural wealth have made the region very important from the geostrategic point of view.