میترا محمودی ابیانه

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as one of the key regional organizations in the Middle East, was established to enhance political, economic, and security cooperation among its member states. This research, using an analytical-descriptive approach, examines the status, interactions, and decisions of the GCC within the framework of international organizations’ legal principles. It aims to analyze the theoretical and legal foundations of international organizations, assess the structure and performance of the GCC, and identify the challenges it faces.  

The first section explores the theoretical framework, including the conceptualization of international organizations, their characteristics, the distinction between global and regional organizations, and the GCC’s position among them. Subsequently, the legal nature of the GCC, its founding principles, organizational structure, decision-making mechanisms, and the extent of member states' legal commitment to its resolutions are analyzed. Findings indicate that the GCC has a non-binding legal structure, and its decisions are primarily advisory, which weakens the enforcement of its resolutions.  

Furthermore, the study examines the GCC’s role in security, economic, social, and cultural domains. In security matters, internal disputes, the absence of a unified defense policy, and some members' reliance on external powers have weakened the council’s ability to establish a cohesive security framework. In economic affairs, despite initiatives for integration such as the customs union and a common market, obstacles such as oil dependency, conflicting economic policies, and ineffective enforcement mechanisms hinder full economic convergence. In the social and cultural sphere, the GCC has focused on academic, educational, and cultural cooperation, yet ideological and political differences among members have posed challenges to cultural integration.  

The study also investigates the GCC’s interactions with international organizations such as the United Nations, the Arab League, and the European Union. The findings indicate that the GCC primarily functions as a coordinating body rather than an entity with independent decision-making power. Moreover, its limited influence on global economic and security policies remains one of its major challenges.  

Ultimately, the research assesses the opportunities and threats facing the GCC and proposes strategies for strengthening its position in the international system. Key recommendations include reforming its legal framework, enhancing the enforceability of its resolutions, promoting economic integration, reducing security dependency on external actors, and expanding diplomatic engagements with other international organizations. Implementing these measures could significantly improve the GCC’s effectiveness and credibility in the global arena.