The manipulation of oil prices in the Gulf region by Western powers involves a multi-pronged approach that encompasses various tactics such as geopolitical manoeuvring, economic dependence, and diplomatic engagement. By utilizing their military presence and security alliances, Western nations ensure stability in the area, protecting vital oil infrastructure and waterways.

Additionally, as major consumers of Gulf oil exports, Western economies maintain strong economic ties and trade relationships with Gulf states, thereby influencing the supply-demand dynamics and market sentiment. Diplomatic efforts also play a crucial role in this process, as they focus on promoting cooperation, addressing regional tensions, and negotiating production agreements, which have a significant impact on oil price expectations and market stability.

This combination of strategies allows Western powers to wield substantial influence over oil prices in the Gulf, highlighting their crucial role in the global energy landscape and their interconnectedness with key oil-producing nations.

The oil prices in the gulf countries are controlled by the Western Powers by employing the following strategies:

• Military Bases and Security Guarantees: Western powers, particularly the United States, maintain military bases and security alliances with Gulf countries to safeguard oil infrastructure and ensure the unimpeded flow of oil through critical waterways, such as the Strait of Hormuz. The presence of Western military forces serves to provide stability and assurance to oil markets, alleviating concerns of potential supply disruptions arising from regional conflicts or tensions.
   
• Diplomatic Engagement: In addition to military presence, Western powers also engage in diplomatic efforts to foster favourable relations with major oil-producing Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Through diplomatic channels, geopolitical tensions are addressed, production agreements are negotiated, and stability is promoted in the region, ultimately influencing oil prices.
   
• Arms Sales and Defence Partnerships: Moreover, Western countries, notably the United States and major European powers, are key suppliers of military equipment and technology to Gulf states. This relationship of arms sales and defence partnerships creates economic interdependence and fosters strategic alliances, strengthening Western influence over Gulf oil producers and contributing to regional stability.
   
• Energy Policy Coordination: Furthermore, Western governments coordinate energy policies and strategies with Gulf countries to address common challenges and opportunities in the global energy market. Dialogue on issues such as energy security, investment, technology transfer, and environmental sustainability plays a crucial role in shaping oil price dynamics and market expectations.
   
• Financial and Trade Relationships: The financial and trade relationships between Western economies and the Gulf region are critical for both parties. Gulf producers heavily rely on Western economies as major consumers of their oil exports, creating a significant market demand. This demand, along with various economic ties such as trade agreements, investment partnerships, and financial transactions, can greatly impact oil prices through supply and demand dynamics and market sentiment.
   
• Technology and Expertise Transfer: Furthermore, the technological transfer and expertise possessed by Western companies in oil exploration, production, and refining greatly benefit the Gulf region. Through joint ventures, technology transfer agreements, and investment projects, Western technology is shared with Gulf countries, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of their oil operations. This, in turn, can impact production costs and oil prices.
   
• Sanctions and Trade Restrictions: However, Western powers also have the ability to use sanctions and trade restrictions as tools of foreign policy to influence the behaviour of Gulf countries, particularly Iran. These sanctions, targeting oil exports, financial transactions, and access to technology, can disrupt oil markets and affect price dynamics in the Gulf region.
   
• Environmental and Climate Policies: In addition, the environmental and climate policies pursued by Western countries also have a significant impact on the global demand for fossil fuels, including oil from the Gulf region. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy sources, and enhance energy efficiency can greatly influence long-term oil consumption trends and price expectations.
   
• Market Regulation and Standards: Lastly, Western governments and regulatory bodies also play a role in shaping global oil markets through market oversight, antitrust regulations, and quality standards. Regulations affecting oil trading, pricing mechanisms, and product specifications can greatly impact market transparency, liquidity, and price discovery mechanisms in the Gulf region.
   
• Geopolitical Risk Assessment: The evaluation of geopolitical risks has become a crucial part of Western policymaking, as well as for intelligence agencies and think tanks. The Gulf region is closely monitored for potential threats to oil production, transportation, and infrastructure. The insights gathered from this risk assessment play a significant role in decision-making and can impact oil price volatility and risk premiums.
   
• Disunity Among Gulf Nations: The disunity among Gulf nations is a convenient tool for Western powers to exert control over petroleum prices through cunning diplomatic tactics and strategic alliances. By exploiting divisions within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and taking advantage of regional rivalries, Western nations can pursue policies that serve their own economic and geopolitical interests.

Through skilled diplomacy, they can cultivate close ties with select Gulf states while strategically distancing themselves from others, gaining influence over production decisions and pricing strategies. Additionally, Western powers can capitalize on disagreements and conflicts among Gulf nations, creating instability and uncertainty in oil markets and exerting pressure on prices.

From an economic standpoint, Western powers can dangle enticing incentives and rewards in front of individual Gulf states that align with their objectives, encouraging them to adopt policies that promote price stabilization or manipulation. By manipulating the competing interests and grievances within the Gulf region, Western nations are able to maintain a level of control over oil prices, strategically managing supply disruptions or production increases to their advantage. This exploitation of disunity allows Western powers to retain their dominant position in the global energy market and further their broader geopolitical agendas in the Gulf region.

Conclusion:
The Western powers have a significant amount of control over the prices of oil in the Gulf region, utilizing a wide range of military, diplomatic, economic, and technological capabilities. By having a military presence and implementing security measures, they ensure stability and safeguard crucial oil infrastructure and trade routes.

Through diplomatic efforts, they aim to promote collaboration, reduce regional tensions, and negotiate production agreements, ultimately shaping the market's sentiment and price expectations. Additionally, Western nations maintain strong economic ties with Gulf states as major oil consumers, thus having a considerable impact on supply and demand dynamics and overall market stability.

Their technological expertise also contributes to the efficiency and competitiveness of Gulf oil operations. Together, these strategies give Western powers the ability to influence market dynamics, affect oil prices, and have a significant impact on the broader geopolitical landscape in the global energy sector.

Written By: Md.Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: [email protected], Ph no: 9836576565