الملخص الإنجليزي
This thesis explains Oman's neutral foreign policy approach by analyzing key domestic and international factors relating to Oman's neutrality. The Study provides historical and theoretical background regarding the concepts of neutrality and its relation with collective organizations before examining the contemporary Omani neutral approach. The study also examines the factors that prompted Oman's neutrality such as history, geographical location, limited tangible powers and sectarian uniqueness. The impact of these four factors on Oman's foreign policy conceptions, behaviors and decisions are discussed deeply. Oman has focused on maintaining friendly relations with all other states, while avoiding interfering in the internal affairs of any state. The Sultanate has managed to successfully navigate regional and global conflicts by adopting a policy of independence, pragmatism and neutrality. The study then discusses the main challenges that face Oman's neutrality as there has been speculation in the media about whether Oman's policy is shifting closer towards Iran and further away from the mainstream Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In the growing sectarian conflict, Oman finds it very difficult to balance its diplomatic acts between the region's dominant Sunni and Shia powers. This competition is actually testing Oman's policy of non-alignment more than ever. This study recommends an alternative proposal for Oman's neutral approach that can be more secure and beneficial both politically and economically during peace and conflict. The approach encourages Oman to consider neutrality as collective goods that is beneficial to all including states and non-states actors such as International Governmental Organization (IGOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Multi-National Corporations (MNCs). These international organizations always search for an impartial state in which to manage their global operations. The proposed approach highlights the critical need for a clear definition of Oman's neutral policy in order to be recognized by international system and protected by international law. A well-defined concept will help all fighting parties to understand that Oman is not taking sides in any conflict and the only role it can play is a mediator role to encourage both parties involved in any conflict to come to a roundtable and discuss possible options for peace and stability.
