US-Kuwaiti Relations, 1961-1992: An Uneasy Relationship / Edition 1

by Chookiat Panaspornprasit

Overview

After being granted full independence in 1961, Kuwait began its tumultuous relationship with the US. This book sets out to investigate this alliance within the frameworks of a 'small state' and 'influence', and in particular under the US presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush. The political, diplomatic and military aspects are examined which have both stalled and enhanced the bilateral relationship at different times and events.

The relationship between the two countries has not always been a straightforward one. Kuwait, overshadowed by its bigger neighbour Saudi Arabia, was regarded as a derivative interest by the US and its role within the region more often than not underestimated. Shedding new light on this key political alliance, the book details how this uneasy relationship evolved while Kuwait maintained its independent foreign policy, which contradicted US national interest. Illuminating and informative, it is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Middle East politics and international relations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780714656281
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/14/2005
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Chookiat Panaspornprasit is assistant professor of international relations in the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. He is also currently the Deputy Director of the Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS), Bangkok, Thailand.

Table of Contents

Declaration Acknowledgements Abstract Introduction 1. Framework for Analysis 2. Background to the US-Kuwaiti Relations: The Pre-1961 Period 3. US-Kuwaiti Relations: 1961-1977 4. US-Kuwaiti Relations Under the Carter Administration 5. US-Kuwaiti Relations Under the Reagan Administration 6. US-Kuwaiti Relations Under the Bush Administration Conclusion Bibliography Appendices

Editorial Reviews

"Panaspornprasit (international relations, Chulalongkorn U., Thailand) reviews the political, diplomatic, and military developments of US Kuwaiti relationships from 1961 to 1992, seeking to confirm the proposition that small states are not necessarily under the control of a great power. He thus addresses the convergent and divergent interests characterizing the bilateral relationship, US and Kuwaiti perceptions of each other at different stages of the relationship, and the extent to which domestic and international politics create opportunities or impose constraints in the attempt to exercise influence." —Reference & Research Book News

'This book is required reading for any scholar of Middle East studies or student of American foreign policy interested in understanding the rise and expansion of the US-Kuwaiti relationship.' - Chris J. Dolan, Middle East Studies Bulletin, Volume 40 Number 2, December 2006

From the Publisher