Description
Since its formation in 1981 the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have developed a unique set of intra-GCC diplomatic norms based upon their domestic politics, shared culture and identities. Adherence to non-intervention in domestic affairs, refrainment from public criticism of ruling elites, quiet and personalistic diplomacy, non-use of force, mediation, consultation, and ability to disagree have been norms of intra-GCC diplomacy. 2017 Gulf Crisis, ceasing of diplomatic relations and a total blockade on Qatar by three members of the GCC, has created an external shock effect to ‘Khaleeji way’ of diplomatic norms in intra-GCC relations. Dissemination of fake news, open attack on the ruling elites of Qatar, publicization and the internationalization of the crisis, direct interference and unilateralism of the blockading countries, and zero-sum mentality appeared as a rupture from the previous decades of diplomacy. This article addresses the development of the Khaleeji way of diplomacy among the GCC states over the last four decades and explores to what extend regional crisis affect and transform regional diplomatic norms. Theoretically, the paper focuses in construction and re-construction of diplomatic norms in the face of external developments and articulates data collected through expert interviews.
Keywords: Diplomacy, Middle East, Norms, GCC, Gulf Crisis
