Regional Rivalries and Power Balances Flashcards

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In this topic, what does the term 'regional rivalry' mean?

It means competition between nearby countries for power, land, oil or influence in their region.

Why were Iraq and Iran long‑standing rivals in the Gulf region?

They argued over their shared border and control of the Shatt al‑Arab waterway. Each also wanted to be the leading power in the Gulf.

How did Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 threaten the balance of power in the Gulf?

If Iraq kept Kuwait, it would gain much more oil and a longer coast on the Gulf. This could let Saddam Hussein dominate his neighbours and threaten Saudi Arabia.

Why were Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states worried about Saddam Hussein after he took Kuwait?

They feared Iraq would invade them next and control even more oil. To protect themselves, they asked for outside military help.

What is the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and why was it important for regional power?

The GCC is a group of Gulf states that agreed to work together, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. By joining forces, they hoped to resist strong neighbours like Iraq and Iran.

How did the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein change the balance of power in the Gulf?

Iraq’s army and government became weak and divided. This allowed Iran to grow more influential, especially with Shia groups inside Iraq.

How did Sunni–Shia divisions help shape rivalries in the Gulf after 2003?

Iran is a mainly Shia Muslim country, while Saudi Arabia is led by Sunni Muslims. After 2003, Shia parties gained power in Iraq, which worried Sunni‑led states that feared growing Iranian influence.

Why did Pakistan support the Taliban in Afghanistan in the 1990s?

Pakistan wanted a friendly government in Kabul that it could influence. It hoped this would give it security and limit India’s power in the region.

How did India–Pakistan rivalry affect Afghanistan after 2001?

Pakistan was linked to some Taliban and other militants, while India backed the new Afghan government with aid and training. Their struggle for influence made it harder to bring peace.

How did Iran and Russia try to affect the balance of power in Afghanistan?

Both supported the Northern Alliance against the Taliban before 2001. They wanted to stop hard‑line Sunni groups gaining power near their borders.