Soviet Relations with the Gulf States: Oman and Saudi Arabia as a Model ( 1970-1990)

Abstract

The Soviet Union (1924-1990) was a superpower with significant influence in international politics, especially during the Cold War, where it represented the second pole in the global conflict with the United States. Soviet leaders turned their attention to the Arabian Gulf region due to its immense economic and strategic importance. However, ideological differences between the countries in this region and the communist doctrine embraced by Soviet leaders hindered the normalization of relations between the two parties, particularly given the excellent relations between the Gulf states and Western powers, notably Britain and the United States.

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 further strained relations between the Gulf states and the Soviet Union. The Gulf states feared Soviet expansion in the East and thus supported the Afghan resistance against Soviet forces. Additionally, the First Gulf War and Soviet relations with Egypt and South Yemen influenced the Gulf states' stance toward the Soviet Union