Abstract
Objective:The Persian Gulf region comprises eight independent political entities and, due to its geopolitical, geostrategic, and geo-economic position and functions, is considered one of the most significant areas in the world. Despite numerous commonalities among the nations and states of the region, the process of regional convergence has not been satisfactory. Therefore, this study aims to examine and evaluate the most important factors contributing to the convergence of the region’s countries, as well as the dimensions and priorities for establishing a regional organization among the Persian Gulf littoral states.
Method: This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, utilizing both library and field sources. Convergence factors were classified into five dimensions: economic, political, defense-security, territorial, and cultural-social. A questionnaire in both Arabic and English was distributed among regional experts, and the data were analyzed using t-tests and PLS structural equation modeling in SPSS software.
Findings: The findings indicate that the most important factors for regional convergence in the five dimensions are: economic (common economic interests and objectives), political (the role of political leaders), territorial (shared environmental interests), cultural-social (sense of belonging to the Persian Gulf region), and defense-security (expansion of defense-security cooperation). A comparison of Iranian and non-Iranian perspectives shows that Iranians place greater emphasis on economic, political, and defense-security dimensions. According to respondents, the priorities for establishing a Persian Gulf regional organization are economic, defense-security, political, cultural-social, and environmental, while Iranians rate defense-security, political, and economic dimensions higher.
Conclusion: The defense-security and cultural-social dimensions have the greatest impact on convergence. Regional convergence refers to the broad cooperation among countries to safeguard shared interests and the transfer of decision-making authority to a new center. This process leads to development, prosperity, and the ability to counter threats. The Persian Gulf countries, with their numerous commonalities, possess the capacity for convergence, and moving toward it is essential, as in today’s world, convergence is not a choice but a geopolitical necessity.
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