The GCC in Crisis: Explorations of 'Normlessness' in Gulf Regionalism. Issue 2 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sadiki, Larbi; Saleh, Layla
• Is Part Of: International spectator. Volume 55:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: GCC -- normlessness -- non-intervention -- sovereignty -- non-Western IR -- Islamic IR; World politics -- 1945-1989 -- Periodicals; World politics -- 1989- -- Periodicals; 909.8305
• DOI: 10.1080/03932729.2020.1747287
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0393-2729

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In a field that is so loosely theorised, an investigation into intra-GCC conflict is both apposite and challenging. Empirically, interventions by Gulf states have proliferated across the GCC and MENA since 2011. This Special Issue seeks to fill a void in scholarship by looking at the ongoing crisis through the lens of norms. A hypothesised 'normlessness' has taken root: a collapse of (local) guiding principles, some even laid down by member states. Disregard for norms of non-intervention, popular sovereignty, mediation, alliance-making and social solidarity poses risks for (sub)regional stability. Provisionally, one notable weakness lies in prescriptive and proscriptive (regulative) norms pertaining to intra-GCC rules of engagement.