Introduction
One of the defining characteristics of international relations after World War II has been the growth and development of regional cooperation and integration within the framework of regionalization. This process has gained momentum and intensity following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. As a result, intra-regional relations have become a common interaction pattern, driven by the intensification of globalization, extending beyond developed regions into developing ones. Consequently, regionalization and regionalism, once primarily defined by European integration, are now manifested in structures and organizations such as ECO, NAFTA, ASEAN, the African Union, and the Organization of American States.
Unlike other regional networks, the Middle East regional network has experienced a unique form of economic regionalism due to various political, socio-cultural, and security factors, which is particularly evident in the cycles of that network. Within the Middle East regional network and the Persian Gulf subsystem, despite numerous disagreements, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) can be considered one of the most advanced projects of economic regionalism. This is because the member states of the organization, to enhance interdependence, have not only increased economic cooperation but have also deepened the process of economic integration within the regional system. As a result, the region now demonstrates a distinct type of economic regionalism. In this article, within the framework of regional integration, we will explore the economic development of the PGCC through economic diplomacy both within and outside the council.
Literature Review
In the article "Globalization and Economic Regionalism in the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council," the authors examine the impact of economic globalization on economic convergence and regionalism within the PGCC, as well as the formation of economic regionalism in this organization. Another article, titled "The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council: From Managing Cooperation to Deepening Economic Convergence," analyzes developments in regional convergence and cooperation following the establishment of the PGCC.
The article "The Architecture and Legal Design of Economic Integration in the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council" presents solutions to address gaps and challenges in the development of integration processes within the PGCC. The analysis in this article predicts that the PGCC will achieve significant milestones in the process of economic integration and become a model for integration in the 21st century for other Arab countries. As the literature review demonstrates, existing works differ from this article in terms of subject and research problem. The present article, however, focuses on examining the economic diplomacy of the PGCC both at the domestic level (among member states) and the global level (with various regional organizations).
Methodology
The study employs a qualitative method with an analytical and explanatory approach, utilizing both primary and secondary sources collected through library research.
Findings
The research findings indicate that the growth and development of agriculture in ASEAN countries (such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam), along with investments in Africa's aviation industry, the conclusion of economic agreements, and the attraction of investments from European Union countries, have contributed to transforming the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) into one of the most successful regional agreements. The non-oil economic policies and development planning of the PGCC member states have steered the council toward deeper economic cooperation, leading to joint investments in diverse sectors such as tourism, hotel construction, railways, and healthcare.
One of the most significant economic and trade initiatives of the council is the creation of a customs union, which imposes specific tariffs on imported goods. Additionally, the member states are working towards establishing a unified currency in the future, in line with their broader economic development goals. Similarly, given its extensive trade relations with the European Union (the PGCC’s largest trading partner), the council is pursuing a free trade agreement with the EU soon.
Conclusion
Economic diplomacy is one of the key development tools that the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) countries have effectively leveraged for their advancement. Through economic diplomacy, these countries have successfully established strong relations with the global community, including economic exchanges with the European Union, ASEAN, and the European-African Free Trade Association. Moreover, the economic and trade cooperation among the PGCC member states has made them one of the most successful regional unions. As a result, this regional cooperation and integration have contributed to peace, security, and prosperity for the citizens of these countries. The use of economic diplomacy fosters integration, which, in turn, creates peace and security.