This book examines changes in the Persian Gulf security complex following the United States (US) invasion of Iraq in 2003, focusing on threats to the collective identities of two religious sects - Shia and Sunni. Although there is a growing body of literature examining security in the Persian Gulf, little focus has been given to the theoretical and methodological aspects of the problem. In this volume, Shayan analyses the causes behind the security changes which occurred in the region since 2003 and demonstrates how regional security dynamics are interlinked to perceived sectarian threats on the Shia and Sunni religious identities. This text is essential reading for political scientists, policy makers and scholars of international relations.

This book examines changes in the Persian Gulf security complex following the United States (US) invasion of Iraq in 2003, focusing on threats to the collective identities of two religious sects - Shia and Sunni. Although there is a growing body of literature examining security in the Persian Gulf, little focus has been given to the theoretical and methodological aspects of the problem. In this volume, Shayan analyses the causes behind the security changes which occurred in the region since 2003 and demonstrates how regional security dynamics are interlinked to perceived sectarian threats on the Shia and Sunni religious identities. This text is essential reading for political scientists, policy makers and scholars of international relations.

The Gas Troika on the European Gas Market assesses the energy policy of the Gas Troika Organization (GTO) as an entity and its members, Russia, Iran and Qatar, operating in the European gas market (EGM) between 2008 and 2015. The book focuses on their interests, policies and frameworks, and the enabling and constraining factors they encounter in the European market. The energy policies of the GTO members are discussed in the context of extraction and distribution of natural gas, its export to the European countries and the environmental side-effects of these contracts. The important questions examined in this pioneering study are: How do the GTO members develop their interests and energy policies in the European environment? How do the common interests and policies of the GTO members explain the framework of the organization in the EGM? How is this organization perceived and assessed as a semi-coherent regional entity? The book applies a social structuration theoretical framework with respect to geographical resources, economy, international relations and environmental dimensions to provide a multi-disciplinary assessment. Researchers in energy economics and political sciences, as well as energy analysts and consultants will find this book to be extremely beneficial.