This book aims to provide a comprehensive study of the possibility of a relationship between Saudi Arabia, through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the European Union (EU). Given the high level of common interests between the two actors, it is surprising that forms of international cooperation are not highly developed. To date, there has been very little academic focus on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the EU. This book examines the obstacles confronting the prospective relationship, as well as the impact of external factors, such as the US, and others, such as 9-11 attacks and the War on Terror. The research is organized thematically and looks at the following issues which have a bearing on the evolving relationship: the security dynamics; cultural and human rights issues; and economy. Besides, a number of key areas are explored that illustrate the fluid dynamics of EU-Saudi relations; these include security, political economy, and political culture. Although the relationship is strong in the area of trade, it is not well developed institutionally, and this does not allow it to become a strategic partnership. This is due to certain major factors, including the cultural differences between the EU (and its member states) and Saudi Arabia, the role played by the US in the Gulf region, and the intergovernmental nature of the GCC which has hampered the institutionalization of EU-GCC relations.
