Kuwait

Definition

Kuwait is a small, oil-rich country located in the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south. Its strategic location and wealth in oil made it a focal point in global politics, especially during the late 20th century when it became a key player in the context of post-Cold War foreign policy and the Gulf War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kuwait was invaded by Iraq on August 2, 1990, which was seen as a violation of international law and led to widespread condemnation.
2. The United Nations quickly imposed economic sanctions on Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait, aiming to restore Kuwait's sovereignty.
3. The Gulf War coalition, led by the United States and including 35 nations, launched Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991, successfully driving Iraqi forces out of Kuwait by February 28, 1991.
4. Kuwait's economy heavily relies on oil exports, which account for a significant portion of its GDP and government revenue.
5. Post-war Kuwait underwent extensive reconstruction efforts to recover from the devastation caused by the Iraqi occupation and subsequent military operations.

Review Questions

• What were the primary reasons for Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and how did this invasion impact international relations?
  • Iraq's invasion of Kuwait was driven by several factors, including territorial disputes and Iraq's desire to control Kuwait's oil reserves. The invasion significantly impacted international relations as it led to a rapid response from the international community, particularly from the United States and its allies. This marked a shift in post-Cold War foreign policy where collective security measures were employed to address aggression, showcasing the willingness of nations to unite against perceived threats to sovereignty.
• Analyze the role of economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations on Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait and their effectiveness.
  • The United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Iraq shortly after its invasion of Kuwait to pressure Saddam Hussein into withdrawing his forces. These sanctions aimed to cripple Iraq's economy by restricting trade and access to resources. The effectiveness of these sanctions is debated; while they did contribute to significant economic hardship in Iraq and limited its ability to sustain military operations, they also had severe humanitarian impacts on civilians, raising questions about the moral implications of such actions.
• Evaluate how the Gulf War changed Kuwait’s political landscape and its role in Middle Eastern geopolitics post-1991.
  • The Gulf War profoundly transformed Kuwait’s political landscape as it emerged from the conflict with renewed national identity and unity. Post-1991, Kuwait's role in Middle Eastern geopolitics shifted as it strengthened alliances with Western nations while emphasizing its commitment to security cooperation. Additionally, the war highlighted the importance of oil-rich states in global politics, leading to increased military presence and influence from foreign powers in the region. This change set the stage for ongoing dynamics in Middle Eastern relations and security concerns that continue to evolve today.

Related terms

Gulf War: A conflict that began in 1990 when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, leading to a U.S.-led coalition intervention to liberate Kuwait in 1991.

OPEC: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, of which Kuwait is a member, influencing global oil prices and production policies.

Saddam Hussein: The President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003, whose invasion of Kuwait in 1990 prompted international military action.