Concentrating on the security of the Gulf in the 21st century, this text explores 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 towards its Gulf neighbours, 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. The book also examines the issues of religious radicalism and the challenges of democratic pluralism together with the territorial disputes which illustrate lingering historical tensions among neighbouring states.