The six monarchies on the Arabian Peninsula have devoted enormous sums to defense in past decades. Nevertheless, the gap between their expensive armaments and their capacity to deter aggression and/or project military strength has narrowed but little in that time. This Element takes a political economy approach and argues that structural factors inherent in the Gulf states' political systems prohibit civilian oversight of the defense sector and are responsible for this outcome. Lax restraints on military outlays, in turn, enable widespread corruption, lead to large-scale waste, and account for the purchasing of unneeded, unsuitable, and incompatible weapons systems. The Element explores the challenges caused by plummeting oil prices and the resulting budget cuts and considers the development of domestic defense industries in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intended as a part of their economic diversification program. The setbacks of the Saudi-led coalition's on-going war in Yemen starkly illustrate the narrative.
A contemporary and comprehensive analysis of national and supranational defence governance in an uncertain and increasingly dangerous world. This book will appeal to policymakers, analysts, graduate students and academics interested in defence economics, political economy, public economics and public policy.
This Element introduces students, policy-makers, politicians, governments and business-people to this new discipline within economics. It presents the recent history of the subject and its range of coverage. Traditional topics covered include models of arms races, alliances, procurement and contracting, as well as personnel policies, industrial policies and disarmament. Newer areas covered include terrorism and the economics of war and conflict. A non-technical approach is used and the material will be accessible to both economists and general readers.
In this meticulously researched work, authored by the France-based GEW Intelligence Unit, we delve into the intricate nuances of the United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) military development trajectory. Our focus? The UAE’s strategic shift from reliance on imports to achieving self-sufficiency in defence. This authoritative book offers valuable insights into the evolution of the UAE’s defence strategy for policymakers, scholars, and defence experts alike. By examining key milestones and initiatives, we shed light on the country’s journey towards enhancing its defence capabilities and strengthening national security. A Journey Towards Autonomy and Innovation The UAE has emerged as a formidable player in military affairs on the global stage. This book explores the strategic decisions and investments that have propelled the nation’s defence capabilities, highlighting its focus on autonomy and innovation in defence technologies. Throughout the pages of “Emirati Defence Evolution,” the GEW Intelligence Unit analyses the UAE’s transition from heavily relying on defence imports to developing its own indigenous defence industry. This shift towards self-sufficiency has bolstered the country’s national security and positioned it as a leader in defence innovation. Unraveling the Intricacies of UAE’s Defence Strategy Evolution This comprehensive analysis leaves no stone unturned as it unravels the intricacies of the evolution of the UAE’s defence strategy. It explores the historical context, examining the factors influencing the country’s defence decisions. From the establishment of the UAE Armed Forces and the formation of strategic alliances to the development of domestic defence capabilities, this book provides a holistic perspective on the UAE’s defence journey. It highlights the key players, policies, and initiatives that have shaped the nation’s defence landscape. Valuable Insights for Policymakers, Scholars, and Defence Experts Whether you are a policymaker, scholar, or defence expert, “Emirati Defence Evolution” offers valuable insights that will inform your understanding of the UAE’s defence trajectory. Our meticulously researched analysis is a resource for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s defence strategy. By examining the UAE’s journey towards autonomy and innovation, this book provides a roadmap for other nations striving to enhance their defence capabilities. The UAE’s success story inspires countries looking to reduce their reliance on imports and achieve self-sufficiency in defence. Join the Conversation “Emirati Defence Evolution: From Imports to Autonomy” is not just a book; it’s an opportunity to join the conversation on defence strategy and innovation. We invite policymakers, scholars, and defence experts to engage with the GEW Intelligence Unit’s research and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing national security. Discover how a nation can transform from reliance on imports to achieving autonomy, becoming a global player in military affairs.
The United States defence economy is remarkable for a number of reasons - including sheer size. It receives a significant (albeit decreasing) share of GDP and has a significant international footprint. Its purpose is to provide the resources for national defence - against a set of complex and capable adversaries. The main players in the defence economy are households, and the Federal Government. The associated interactions determine the resources provided for national defence and their allocation among various defence needs. This Element focuses primarily on interactions between government and industrial suppliers within the institutional peculiarities of the defence marketplace. This includes the developments that have determined the course of defence industry consolidation post-Cold War. The authors also highlight the persistent gap between resources available for defence and the means to execute the National Security Strategy. Finally, they offer some tentative thoughts regarding developments likely to shape the defence economy's future.
On August 24-25, 2010, the National Defense University held a conference titled “Economic Security: Neglected Dimension of National Security?” to explore the economic element of national power. This special collection of selected papers from the conference represents the view of several keynote speakers and participants in six panel discussions. It explores the complexity surrounding this subject and examines the major elements that, interacting as a system, define the economic component of national security.
The Gulf is in the first rank of potential global flashpoints. It is the largest market for weapons imports in the world, and is considered to be a vital interest of all the great powers. Iran is viewed as an expansionist threat by the Arab states of the Gulf, who have built considerable militaries in a historically short timeframe. Security in the Gulf, however, is a complicated matter. The Arab states of the Gulf have pursued different defense policies as well as different ways of building up their forces. In some instances, the establishment of a strong military is not just a way to ensure security, but also a way to build a national identity. In other cases, great powers (such as the United States) seek to promote cooperation between the Arab Gulf militaries as an interim step to promote political reform and integration. The essays in this volume examine a broad range of issues in Gulf security. Security is a complex and subjective matter--the various perspectives in this volume combine to form a holistic view of a challenging and evolving topic.
The acquisition and procurement of major weapons systems is fraught with difficulties. They tend to be delivered late, over budget and unable to meet requirements. This Element provides an economic analysis of why this happens. Market structure, demand by the military and supply by the arms firms, shapes the conduct of the agents and generates the poor performance observed. The military are trying to counter an evolving threat, subject to a budget constraint, high R&D costs and new technologies. The interaction between a government made up of warring tribes and arms firms with considerable market and political power is further complicated by a set of what economists call 'principal-agent' problems, which are examined. While the poor performance has prompted many countries to propose reforms, the difficulty of the task and the institutional incentives faced by the actors mean that the reforms rarely solve the problem.
