International Relations between the Iraq and Oman - Literature review Example

Artur Arzumanyan INTL402 April 27, Question Research Question and Literature Review International Relation[s] between the UAE (Iraq) and Oman Research question This is an explanatory study that seeks to examine international relations between the UAE and Oman and hence the future. The research question is: what is the future of relationship between Oman and UAE basing on the contemporary trends? Consequently, the paper will answer a question about the future of relation between the two region based on the political issues, economic issues, factors affecting MENA region, and similarities and differences with reference to their views concerning society cases. The dependent variable in this case is the similarities and differences between the UAE and Oman to help in determining the compatibility of the two regions in future. The similarities and differences helps in exposing the status of relation between the two regions and hence the potential of relating with each other in future. The independent variable in this case is the history of relationship between the two. History acts as the basis for judging the most probable trend associated with relationship between the two. Case study Since 1970s, Oman’s foreign policy has focused on integration of the nation (Oman) in the regional and international context rather than isolative policy concerning mechanisms of Sultan Said ibn Taimur’s rule. Oman’s foreign policy emanates from sultan’s goals as well as the ties of the regime to the British and the United States’ governments. The policy has been non-confrontational and conciliatory with reference to the western interests in the region1. In most cases, Oman has been the main broker in the provision of adequate techniques towards addressing disputes within the region. Importance of the research topic Various problems have been affecting the expansion and improvement of the MENA region. Ever since the commencement of the Arab Spring in 2011, there have been uncertainties in relation to political and economic issues of the MENA region2. There are increased calls for the financial and opinionated freedom as well as effective representation with the aim of ending corruption and dictatorship or authoritarian leadership with reference to Egypt and Tunisia. This makes the research topic be of an inherent importance since it aids in determining the basis for unemployment, security and leadership challenges that affect the region. Literature review Annotated bibliography "Middle East Monitor: Gulf." Middle East Monitor: The Gulf 13.6 (2013): 1-12. The Middle East Monitor asserts that UAE and Oman have enjoyed massive economic relationship under the influence of their economic foreign policies. The UAE and Oman focus on elimination of the trade barriers with the aim of improving interaction between business owners and investors from the two nations. In addition, Oman has more than 230 business activities and operations in the UAE. The nations aim to increase trade as well as economic facilities with the intention of addressing the needs and preferences of the citizens from the two nations3. Currently, the nations (Oman and the UAE) have been discussing critical projects with the aim of eliminating trade barriers between the nations. This would aid the process of executing business activities between the UAE and Oman. Dudley, Dominic. "Attempting To Bridge the Gulf." MEED: Middle East Economic Digest 58.1 (2014): 28. Dudleyu asserts in 1977, 20 Arab states established the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) in the context of Abu Dhabi. The objective of this economic development was to provide substantive loans for the member states for the purposes of balance of payments. In 1981, there was a new development following participation of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain towards development of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In this council, the closest relation exists between Oman and UAE thus improving their relationship concerning business activities4. The GCC focuses on ensuring regional stability and security concerns affecting the MENA region. In addition, GCC has been vital in the coordination of economic and monetary policies among the member states. Walker, Jenny. 2010. Oman, UAE& Arabian Peninsula. Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet Walker asserts that the relationship between the two territories calls for a deep assessment on the once existing disagreement over the Al Buraimi Oasis. The issue of Al Buraimi Oasis, existing in Oman, marked a period of acrimonious disagreement between UAE and Oman, beginning from 1930s to 1990. The Al Buraimi lays adjustment to the boundary of the UAE and Oman. The writer asserts that the main cause for the disagreements was the value of resources found within the area. The long disagreement began to cool in 1974, when the territories founded the Treaty of Jeddah. This allowed the two territories, under the leadership of Zayed bin Sultan (Abu Dhabi) and King Faisal (Saudi Arabia), to reach a settlement5. During this year, the UAE recognized Oman’s ownership in the disputed the Oasis. Ritab, Al-Khouri, and Khalik M. Umaima Abdul. "Does Political Risk Affect The Flow Of Foreign Direct Investment Into The Middle East North African Region?" Journal Of Global Business & Technology 9.2 (2013): 47-59. Ritab et al asserts that the disbelief in the international court’s jurisdiction triggered the dispute to stay unresolved for two more years. Even though, Oman remains a member of ICC, the instance of the disagreement shows that the country has much trust in the regional courts. Indifferent to UAE, which considers ICC as the most effective court for solving border disputes, Oman associate the international court cases to biasness. The authors assert that the difference arising, regarding the ICC’s jurisdiction, shows that the future relation between the two countries may be at stake. A prediction of worsening relationship is valid since Oman does not believe in the credibility of the court cases, while UAE has a strong belief. BBC News Middle East. “Oman uncovers ‘spy network’ but UAE denies any links’. 31 January 2011. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12320859 Prior to 2011, BBC News Middle East asserts that the relations between Oman and UAE could have been projected to be effective and prosperous. According to BBC report on the Middle East, Oman uncovered ‘spy network’ working for the UAE. The alleged ‘spy network’ spied on the Omani government6. In this allegation, the UAE government denied the allegations claiming to have any spy network in the context of Oman7. There are various reasons that might make the allegation to hold some substantive truth. In spite of these allegations, the UAE expressed its willingness to work closely with Oman in the investigations carrying full transparency to uncover the risks marring relations between Oman and UAE8. These developments indicate that the future relations between the two nations would still be ideal for stability and economic prosperity. Question 2 - Analysis of Competing Hypotheses Japan’s imperial expansion Introduction The imperial expansion of Japan started due to the realization that the Western countries were on the verge of exploiting Asia. Japan was determined to gain power over the Chinese territory making it to expand. General Sadao Araki asserted that the main mission of Japan was to become supreme in Asia. The Western countries showed much prejudice against the Asian people prompting for strategies of surviving by the latter. The Western countries started by carving up China in the 19th century thereby serving as a warning to Japan9. Japan had to implement strategies that would help in avoiding the exploitation perpetrated by the Western countries. Consequently, the influence of the Western countries triggered Japan into adopting some of the Western ideas before the former could retain command of the territory. The intelligence question emerging from this case is “how does the imperial expansion of Japan influence its status in Asia on basis of gaining supremacy in Asia?”. Possible Hypothesis The adoption of foreign policy and empire building serves in allowing the Japanese territory in gaining power over the other Asian territories. World War I enables the Japanese to gain control over the Chinese regions controlled by the Germans. The support given by the Western countries to the Japanese government contributes to the noted imperial expansion. Formation of Entente with the Britain allowes Japan to gain control over Russia. Evidence found The Japanese army claimed the Chinese sabotage on a railway, which contributed to their power over Manchuria. Japan gained control of Manchuria after smashing the Russian fleet at Tsushma in 190510. The Japanese Army claimed the Chinese sabotage on a railway, which contributed to their power over Manchuria. The World War I made it easy for the Japanese to declare war on the Germans thereby increasing their territorial expansion The Japanese also used World War I to dominate the Island found in the Western Pacific initially occupied by the Germans The presentation of the 21 demands allowed the Japanese to deprive China of more power consequently gaining power over the best leaders in the country like Yuan Shikai. The end of the World War I marked by the Versailles conference, in 1919, saw the Japanese gaining support from the imperial countries11. Agreeing to withdraw from the Peninsula added the support from the Western countries. The pro-United States enabled the country to stabilize in its mission of expansion. Even though Japan lost its control over some of the colonies, the conference supported the country in gaining control over the pacific. The aftermath of the Russo-Japanese and the Sino-Japanese wars presented an economic boost of the country with the presence of big industries enhancing the various production processes. The presence of the influential industries like Yawata Steel Works enabled the country to compete favorably with the other developed countries in the world. Hypotheses matrix Hypothesis #1 H1 - Foreign policy and empire building as a result of the expansion. Hypothesis #2 H2- Imperial expansion makes Japan to outcompete China Hypothesis #3 H3 – support from the Western countries Hypothesis #4 H4 – formation of Entente with the Britain H1 H2 H3 H4 The Japanese Army claimed the Chinese sabotage on a railway, which contributed to their power over Manchuria. Japan gained control of Manchuria after smashing the Russian fleet at Tsushma in 190512. \ The end of World War I marked by the Versailles conference, in 1919, saw the Japanese gaining support from the imperial countries13. The pro-United States enabled the country to stabilize in its mission of expansion. Even though Japan lost its control over some of the colonies, the conference supported the country in gaining control over the pacific. The presence of the influential industries like Yawata Steel Works enabled the country to compete favorably with the other developed countries in the world. Agreeing to withdraw from the Peninsula added the support from the Western countries. Analysed hypotheses matrix Evidences H1 -. H2 H4 H3 The Japanese army claimed the Chinese sabotage on a railway, which contributed to their power over Manchuria. Japan gained control of Manchuria after smashing the Russian fleet at Tsushma in 190514. + - - - Agreeing to withdraw from the Peninsula added the support from the Western countries. - + - + The end of the World War I marked by the Versailles conference, in 1919, saw the Japanese gaining support from the imperial countries15. + - - - The presentation of the 21 demands allowed the Japanese to deprive China of more power consequently gaining power over the best leaders in the country like Yuan Shikai - - + + Conclusion on hypotheses From the analyzed matrix, Japan comes out as imperial power in Asia because of the proper strategies she established against its neighbors in Asia. Japan is aware that defeating over the dominating countries like Russia was the main strategy of becoming the imperial power in Asia. Further, acting as pro-western countries also acts as a strategy, which helped the Japanese in dominating the Asian continent. Adopting the Western Military ideas and the Entente agreement was one of the strengthening forces for the imperial Japanese expansion. Korea and Chinese had to surrender for the Japanese ruling because of the strong army owned by the country. Assessment Formation of Entente with the Britain Any country, which had the aim of gaining the control over the colonies, had to defeat Russia. This was the major aim of Japan, defeating Russia, and then taking over all the colonies in Asia since Russia was one of the imperial nations, which had gained much control over the Asian countries. When the war between Russia and Japan broke, in 1902, Japan had advantage over the former because of the close association it had with British16. Support from the Western countries The support given by the Western countries to the Japanese government also contributed to the noted imperial expansion. The support resulted from the gains made by Japan in the pacific. On May 4, the Chinese outcried for the withdrawal of Japanese from the Shadong Peninsula. This triggered the conference to ordering the Japanese out of the peninsula. The country complied with the agreement of withdrawing its control from the Shandong Peninsula. Agreeing to withdraw from the Peninsula added the support from the Western countries. Defeating China World War I enabled the Japanese to gain control over the Chinese regions controlled by the Germans. The World War I made it easy for the Japanese to declare war on the Germans thereby increasing their territorial expansion. The three armies (British, Japanese and France) threw out the Germans from thereby enabling the Japanese to gain control of the German Chinese possession17. While the battle continued, the Japanese mainly concentrated on the German colonies while also eyeing the East concession. This trick enabled Japan to use the world war as an expansion trick. Foreign policy and empire building This involved the Japanese adopting the Western ideas to help in gaining power over the other Asian territories. Japanese had the choice of either joining hands with the Western countries in devouring the other Asian countries, or serving up with China and Korea. Consequently, the Japanese adopted the idea of Admiral Alfred T, who was an American advocate. The Japanese complied to the advice by the American advocate that the former should dominate all the surrounding seas. This helped the Japanese in controlling most of the colonies around the seas, a strategy that helped in economic expansion. Works Cited Ritab, Al-Khouri, and Khalik M. Umaima Abdul. "Does Political Risk Affect The Flow Of Foreign Direct Investment Into The Middle East North African Region?" Journal Of Global Business & Technology 9.2 (2013): 47-59. Rao, Ananth. "The Challenge of Change." Global Focus: The EFMD Business Magazine 4.3 (2010): 30-33. "Middle East Monitor: Gulf." Middle East Monitor: The Gulf 13.6 (2013): 1-12. Walker, Jenny. Oman, UAE& Arabian Peninsula. Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet. 2010. Print. BBC News Middle East. “Oman uncovers ‘spy network’ but UAE denies any links’. 31 January 2011. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12320859 Schirokauer, Conrad, David B. Lurie, and Suzanne M. Gay. A Brief History of Japanese Civilization. Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2013. Print. p. 420 Chung, Young-Iob. Korea Under Siege, 1876-1945: Capital Formation and Economic Transformation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. p. 307 King, Richard, Cody Poulton, and Katsuhiko Endo. Sino-Japanese Transculturation: From the Late Nineteenth Century to the End of the Pacific War. Lanham, Md: Lexington Books, 2012. Print. p. 191 Ruoff, Kenneth J. Imperial Japan at Its Zenith: The Wartime Celebration of the Empires 2,600th Anniversary. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2010. Print. p. 113 Chang, Ha-Joon. Institutional Change and Economic Development. New York, NY: United Nations University Press, 2007. Print. p. 162 Read More