Av egenintresse eller solidaritet? - Gulfkriget ur realistiskt och liberalistiskt perspektiv

Sammanfattning: Abstract In this theory-testing case study I will analyze and discuss the Gulf War which took place in the Middle East in 1990-1991 and has become an important topic for discussion among IR scholars in the post-Cold War era. The events that led up to the Gulf War, as well as the war itself, will be analyzed from two different perspectives; Realism and Liberalism. Within these differing theoretical frameworks I have chosen to use elements from, on the one hand, Classical and Structural Realism, and on the other hand, Idealism and Liberal Institutionalism. Focusing on these specific schools of thought I aim to derive essential, ?key?, concepts that will then be tested against empirical fact. The overall purpose of this study is to try to logically explain, through detailed analysis, the actions of the actors involved in the Gulf War and, in addition, why this war ever occurred. I will also attempt to take a critical stance on the theoretical perspectives used in the analysis. In the final discussion I will take into account possible shortcomings in the realist and liberalist explanations that I have come across during the analytical phase and, equally important, the differences between them. Key words: the Gulf War, realism, liberalism, balance of power, bandwagoning, democratic peace, collective security.