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Abstract:
This paper explores the seeming paradox of Europe’s strategic dependence and minimal EU presence in the Gulf. The Strategic Partnership agreed in June 2004 has done little to advance any sense of coherence or purpose in relations with the Gulf states in the face of the continued belief of some of the larger Member States in the value of their bilateral relationships with particular Gulf states. The resulting ambiguity in European policy has been exacerbated by the ways in which Gulf states themselves have dealt with Europe, looking less to the Gulf Cooperation Council as the preferred interlocutor with the EU, than at maintaining older, bilateral political and military relationships with particular Member States. The assessment of the relationship is set against the economic and strategic role of the USA, and the raised tensions in the Gulf region since September 11 and the invasion of Iraq.
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