The UAEs security from an international relations perspective : an overview

This chapter will address the conceptual framework of international relations and security studies in the context of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) security environment. It will provide a basic understanding of the most prominent International Relations schools of thought and their correlation to contemporary security developments in the UAE. The chapter will predominantly elaborate the concepts of realism, constructivism, securitization, security dilemma and regional security complexes. According to the authors, the above-mentioned concepts are vital to understanding the UAE's current security strategy, its strategic position in the region, and how this is reflected in terms of practical policymaking.