The nexus, between regional instability and the preservation of global security is nowhere more tenuous than in the Gulf. Gulf Security in the Twenty-First Century brings together some of the foremost area experts to explore the most pressing issues, including military threats to the region, obstacles to economic development and socio-economic harmonization, and challenges to political stability. In particular, the work examines Iran’s often enigmatic foreign policy vis-à-vis its Gulf neighbors, Iraq’s resurgent military threat, choices and constraints confronting US Middle East policy, and Europe’s inability to identify and pursue a united policy to safeguard its economic interests in the area.