ABSTRACT
Although it is the broad trends in the Gulfs military forces and vulnerabilities that shape its balance of power, the strategic stability of the region is equally dependent on the individual ability of each Gulf regime to survive and deter aggression while maintaining internal order. The previous chapters have described the historical evolution of the interactions and tensions that form the attitudes of each Gulf nation and the broad pressures that shape their military capabilities. Each, however, faces different military and internal security problems. These problems must be reduced or eliminated if the conservative Gulf states are to remain stable and develop effective strategic relations with the West.
