The Role of Bahrain Kingdom in the Framework of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (From 2000 to 2006)

The current study seeks to identify the role of Bahrain Kingdom in the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during the period from 2000 to 2006. The importance of the study stems from a set of considerations, the most important of which are- identifying the nature of roles that the member states in a specific regional organization undertake, studying the concept of regionalism and the regional system, and identifying the nature of the role of the member states in the scope of the regional organization in terms of conflict and integration. The problem of the study is that Bahrain is a small state and its resources are limited. It occupies an important strategic location in a very significant strategic region in the context of the international interactions. Its direct geographical neighbor is characterized by great resources. In addition, its surrounded regional environment is characterized by tension and instability. Thus, the question in such circumstances is- how Bahrain Kingdom can create and practice its role in the framework the GCC, which is the regional organization activated by interactions between geographically reproached member states? To achieve the required results, the study adopted the international system approach and the historical approach. The study has concluded a set of findings. The most significant findings are- 1- the GCC came as a result of a set of internal, regional and international factors, and not one factor. 2- The GCC has been able to achieve the internal and external cooperation between its member states. 3- The regional and international developments have a tangible effect on Bahrain and its relation with the GCC. 4- Bahrain plays a prominent role in activating the April of cooperation and integration between the members of the Council in various economic, political, social, cultural and media fields.