Manchester University Press - The Gulf States and the Horn of Africa

The Gulf States and the Horn of Africa takes a deep dive into the complexities of power projection, political rivalry and conflict across the Red Sea and beyond. Focusing on the nature of interregional connections between the Gulf and the Horn, it explores the multifaceted nature of relations between states and the two increasingly important subregions. Bringing together scholars working on and in both regions, the book considers strategic competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and between the UAE and both Qatar and Turkey, along with other international engagement such as joint anti-piracy operations, counterterrorism cooperation, security assistance, base agreements and economic development.

Drawing on a range of subject expertise and field research across case study countries, the volume adds to the sparse literature on the regional and international politics of the Horn of Africa and Red Sea, gleaning specific insights from contemporary reflections across the book. This is essential reading for students and researchers interested in the Horn of Africa and the evolving regional geopolitics of the Gulf.

Reviews

'This volume, by some of the foremost scholars on the region, offers an extensive overview of the region and a timely analysis of the complex interactions between the Arab Gulf, Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions. The various contributions provide valuable insights into the multi-faceted nature of inter-state competition and its impact on inter-regional relations while encompassing the often-overlooked views of the respective sub-regions. This book is a significant contribution to the understanding of regional and international politics, the nature of south-south relations and the changing dynamics of the Gulf states' role in Africa. It is an indispensable read for all those interested in the field as well as those with a general interest.'
Abdullah Baabood, Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies, Waseda University

'This a timely and important volume that offers a comprehensive look at the ways in which regional security complexes in the Horn and Gulf intersect and overlap. It includes an array of top-notch contributions from seasoned scholars anchored in a deep attention to history, substantial fieldwork, and conceptual rigor. A must read for anyone interested in the international relations of the modern Horn and Middle East.'
Michael Woldemariam, Associate Professor of International Relations, Boston University

'A single, easily digestible volume that can be consumed by a range of audiences. In this effort, the editors have enlisted the support of a strong group of contributors, many of whom have an extended track record of researching Horn-Middle East linkages and field experience in the region(s). [...] The Gulf States and the Horn of Africa is thus essential reading for scholars, students, and policy-makers interested in the increasingly dense interlinkages between regional security complexes on the western and eastern shores of the Red Sea. It also raises-either explicitly or through gaps in the analysis-several important issues for future consideration by enterprising scholars working in the field.'
Michael Woldemariam, The Middle East Journal (Volume 76, Number 3)

'Scholars and analysists interested in the evolution, development, and effects of the Gulf-Horn relationship will benefit greatly from the rich material and insights in this book.'
Chaoqun Lian, China International Strategy Review (2022)

'The edited volume provides a solid departure point for those who wisely decide to embark on a journey of jointly exploring the Gulf and the Horn of Africa.'
Marc Martorell Junyent, Inside Arabia

Introduction - Robert Mason

Part I: The view from the Gulf
1 Patterns of External Involvement in the Modern Political History of the Horn of Africa States- Brendon J. Cannon and Ash Rossiter
2 Pushing the Envelope of National Security and State Influence at the Margins: Saudi and Iranian Competition in the Horn of Africa - Robert Mason
3 Iran's Foreign Policy and Developmental Activities in Africa: Between Expansionist Ambitions and Hegemonic Constraints - Eric Lob
4 Extended States: The Politics and Purpose of UAE Economic Statecraft in the Horn of Africa - Karen E. Young and Taimur Khan
5 The Turkey-Qatar Alliance: Through the Gulf and Into the Horn of Africa - Marwa Maziad
6 Inter-Regional Embedded Security Model: Turkish and Emirati Engagement in the Horn of Africa - Umer Karim
7 Strategic Geography in Jeopardy: Qatar-Gulf Crisis and the Horn of Africa - Abdinor Dahir
8 Kuwait's Foreign Relations with East Africa - Mara Leichtman

Part II: The view from the Horn of Africa
9 Djibouti: Bridging the Gulf of Aden? Balancing Ports, Patronage and Military Bases between Yemen's War and the Horn - David Styan
10 Engaging Foreign Powers for Regime Survival: The Relative Autonomy of Coastal Horn of Africa States in their Relations with Gulf Countries - Aleksi Ylönen
11 Sudan's Foreign Policy Predicament in the Context of the GCC Diplomatic Rift - Mohammed Sharfi

Conclusion - Simon Mabon

Index

Editors

Robert Mason is a Fellow at The Sectarianism, Proxies and De-sectarianisation (SEPAD) project and Non-Resident Fellow, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

Simon Mabon is Director of SEPAD and Professor of International Politics at Lancaster University