Oman and the world

by Joseph A. Kechichian

In July 1970, amid vast turmoil throughout the Persian Gulf region, Qaboos bin Sa'id led a successful coup against his father and proclaimed himself the new Head of State. Sultan Qaboos promised to institute a modern, efficient, and just government and to establish friendly relations with neighboring countries. Facing significant internal challenges to his authority, Qaboos restored internal order through effective military and economic measures. Simultaneously, he adopted long-term principles that facilitated the introduction of capable foreign policy initiatives, based on nonintervention in the affairs of other countries, respect for international law, and nonalignment. Today, the Sultanate of Oman remains stable--its foreign policy flexible by nature, its regional preeminence assured. This report systematically analyzes the foreign policy of the Sultanate. It traces the origins of the Omani nation-state, identifies trends in Omani diplomacy, and examines the Sultanate's foreign poli