The GCC and collective security

"The United States, United Kingdom and France have bases throughout the region, underscoring the Gulf's importance to the West. But the sense of security these bases provide is not as solid as it once was. In the US, a growing segment of the foreign policy sphere views East Asia as more important to Washington, largely because of the rise of China as a threat to American hegemony."

"Analysts who argue that the West is no longer a reliable protector for the Gulf point to evidence such as the September attack on Doha by Israel, which continues to receive US support despite Washington's attempt to distance itself from the strike. The uncertainty seems to have prompted Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to consider other options for their security with perhaps the most notable recent example being the defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan last month."

"Collective security in the GCC can be achieved through two separate but related concepts: collective management and endogenous security. Collective management in the context of GCC security would include large regional powers, such as Egypt, Pakistan and Turkiye, forming an alliance that would have a shared interest in providing security to countries in the wider Islamic world. Egypt has the strongest and largest Arab army."

Gulf states are reassessing security arrangements as Western military presence and guarantees appear less reliable amid a US strategic focus on East Asia. The September strike on Doha by Israel and continuing US support for Israel despite distancing measures have amplified regional doubt. GCC members are exploring alternatives, including deeper ties with Pakistan and a Saudi-Pakistan defence pact, and proposals for collective regional forces. Two models for collective security are collective management—alliances with large regional powers like Egypt, Pakistan and Turkiye—and endogenous security—greater indigenous Gulf military cooperation and capacity-building. Egypt offers a 20,000-person force proposal; Pakistan brings nuclear deterrence.

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