Investigating the Determinant Factors and Processes in the West Asian Security Order Based on the Omni-Balancing Theory

Subject Areas : International Relations

mohammadreza dehshiri ¹ , Hossein Shahmoradi ²

1 - دانشیار روابط بین الملل، دانشکده روابط بین‌الملل وزارت امور خارجه، تهران، ایران
2 - M.A. in Regional Studies, School of International Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Received: 2020-06-17 Accepted : 2020-06-17 Published : 2020-05-21

Keywords: West Asia, Regional Order and Security, Omni-Balancing, Sub-national Actors, Extra-regional Actors,

Abstract :

In this paper, the determinant factors and processes in the West Asian region are investigated in three areas of structures, actors, and processes as interconnected and interrelated items. The theoretical framework of the research is based on the Steven David''s Omni-Balancing theory, asserting that governments not only consider external military threats in their own security calculations, but also address domestic dangers. After reviewing the structures affecting the security order of the region, the writers explain the role of extra-regional, sub-national/non-state and state actors. Then, processes affecting the security order of West Asia will be examined with emphasis on identity differences, poverty and inequality, water crisis and Islamism. The article then focuses on regional patterns of regional security in West Asia, including Puzzle and Chess patterns, which put actors involved in the security equitations of the region in a state of perplexity. The paper concludes that due to the uncertainty and unpredictability of regional dynamics, the lack of a regulative principle, the plurality and diversity of actors and finally the fluid process, it would be difficult to predict the future of regional order and security. In such a situation, it seems that the ultimate solution would be initiatives such as security networking and a strong region. The research method is descriptive-analytic and documentary and reliable internet based sources have been used to collect the information.

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