1. Introduction

At a time when the region around the Gulf and the Gulf itself is racked by conflict and confrontation, it would be normal to take a narrow view of Pan-Gulf security cooperation - limited to addressing current problems. Nevertheless, in the long run, security must be viewed as an overarching concept related to the protection and the promotion of the well-being of every resident of the region, the maintenance of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of each country, and the creation of an environment which promotes growth and development.

This requires equal attention to be paid to both internal and external security. Externally this would need effective diplomatic interactions and adequate defence capability. Internally it would need strong institutional frameworks, good governance, social harmony, law and order, justice, and attention to equity as well as inclusion. But more importantly it would require a regional architecture and the creation of Pan-Gulf institutions, which would promote an environment conducive for this. This chapter proposes a scheme whereby Pan- Gulf security cooperation can be developed by first developing effective arrangements for confronting non-traditional threats among Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

1.1 The Challenges

The GCC is beset by significant external as well as internal challenges. In the North lie the conflict-ridden states of Iraq and Syria, unsettled Palestine and an Iran whose ambitions are not clear. In the South there is Yemen, afflicted by internal strife. The Gulf 's long coastline and vast maritime zone bring with them their own challenges in keeping them peaceful and ensuring the protection of the sea lanes of communication which are vital for trade and energy flows as well as for the security of offshore oil and gas installations.

The Gulf also faces non-traditional threats (NTTs) from forces of extremism, terrorism, piracy, organised crime, drugs and arms running, and sectarianism. In the long run the region will need to ensure its food, water and environmental security and graduate out of dependence on fossil fuels being the primary source of income. It will also need to protect its interests in the global commons, deal with cyber threats, nuclear proliferation, pandemics and natural disasters. Economic disparity in the region creates its own problems.