World

What smaller Gulf states bring to collective defense

Contributions to collective defense are often measured by the size of a country’s armed forces, the sophistication of its weapons or the resources it can commit to a conflict. Yet the experience of the Gulf Cooperation Council demonstrates that military power is not determined by these measures alone. Strategic geography, access to critical infrastructure, operational coordination and the willingness to sustain partnerships under pressure can be just as consequential. As Iran’s attacks reshape t