6 Interregional embedded security model
-
Robert Mason
Abstract
The Horn of Africa occupies an important strategic position overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The new political and security dynamics emerging between the Horn and the Middle East can be better understood by exploring the idea of interregional embedded security, which essentially is a critique and complication of the regional security complex (RSC) theorization. A plethora of Middle Eastern states have initiated political and security engagement with Horn of Africa states; but the most prominent among them, and critical in terms of their impacts, have been Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the Turkish case the focus remains on cementing strong economic linkages with the countries in the region and positioning itself as a principal trade partner while also investing in a strategic manner to reap not only economic rewards but also the political prestige that comes from successful engagement with fragile regions and failed states. The UAE’s political objectives remain largely security oriented. This engagement works well to elevate the UAE’s political status from a Gulf commercial hub to a middle-sized power with a capability to impact upon the strategic and security environment of the both Middle East and Horn of Africa.
Abstract
The Horn of Africa occupies an important strategic position overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The new political and security dynamics emerging between the Horn and the Middle East can be better understood by exploring the idea of interregional embedded security, which essentially is a critique and complication of the regional security complex (RSC) theorization. A plethora of Middle Eastern states have initiated political and security engagement with Horn of Africa states; but the most prominent among them, and critical in terms of their impacts, have been Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the Turkish case the focus remains on cementing strong economic linkages with the countries in the region and positioning itself as a principal trade partner while also investing in a strategic manner to reap not only economic rewards but also the political prestige that comes from successful engagement with fragile regions and failed states. The UAE’s political objectives remain largely security oriented. This engagement works well to elevate the UAE’s political status from a Gulf commercial hub to a middle-sized power with a capability to impact upon the strategic and security environment of the both Middle East and Horn of Africa.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Illustrations vii
- Contributors viii
- Acknowledgements x
- Introduction 1
-
Part I: The view from the Gulf
- 1 Patterns of external involvement in the modern political history of the Horn of Africa states 15
- 2 Pushing the envelope of national security and state influence at the margins 36
- 3 Iran’s foreign policy and developmental activities in Africa 68
- 4 Extended states 99
- 5 The Turkey–Qatar alliance 127
- 6 Interregional embedded security model 151
- 7 Strategic geography in jeopardy 171
- 8 Kuwait’s foreign relations with East Africa 199
- 9 Djibouti - Bridging the Gulf of Aden? 229
- 10 Engaging foreign powers for regime survival 249
- 11 Sudan’s foreign policy predicament in the context of the GCC diplomatic rift 272
- Conclusion 295
- Index 303
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Illustrations vii
- Contributors viii
- Acknowledgements x
- Introduction 1
-
Part I: The view from the Gulf
- 1 Patterns of external involvement in the modern political history of the Horn of Africa states 15
- 2 Pushing the envelope of national security and state influence at the margins 36
- 3 Iran’s foreign policy and developmental activities in Africa 68
- 4 Extended states 99
- 5 The Turkey–Qatar alliance 127
- 6 Interregional embedded security model 151
- 7 Strategic geography in jeopardy 171
- 8 Kuwait’s foreign relations with East Africa 199
- 9 Djibouti - Bridging the Gulf of Aden? 229
- 10 Engaging foreign powers for regime survival 249
- 11 Sudan’s foreign policy predicament in the context of the GCC diplomatic rift 272
- Conclusion 295
- Index 303
