Sustainable Development in the Persian Gulf: Obstacles and Arrangements

The present research aims to study the obstacles hindering the establishment of sustainable development in the Persian Gulf and present appropriate model and arrangements for stability and security in this region to be ensured. To this end, the theoretical framework of regional collective security provided by Bouzan is considered as the appropriate and comprehensive concept for security situation in the Persian Gulf to be studied. Elements of dominance, threat, rivalry, dispute, and conflict in enmity and friendship models of the regional players together with other factors like arms competitions and political-ideological disputes in the region are main obstacles for sustainable security to form. The US as an intervening player in the collective security of the Persian Gulf not only prevents the development of regional cooperation efforts but also worsens disputes and conflicts. Considering intra- and inter-regional obstacles, the participatory and cooperative security model with the relevant requirements is recommended for the improvement of security in the Persian Gulf.