Afterword

Abstract

This final chapter looks ahead and offers final notes on how Brexit is likely to affect relations between the UK, the GCC and Iran. Britain’s international standing will certainly be damaged immediately post-Brexit, though there are positive scenarios within the long-term perspectives. Developing foreign policies under the ‘Global Britain’ idea, may include tighter relations with the US, still maintaining close relations with the EU states and strengthening tailored relations with the rest of the world. ‘Global Britain’ has the potential to develop more nuanced and individuated relations with European partners, and to build ‘informal groupings of countries’ to address Middle Eastern issues, such as climate change, or conflict resolution. Post-Brexit Britain may also continue developing its ‘special relationship’ with the US, while deeper relations with the GCC states are expected, as part of the strategy of developing relations with the rest of the world. None of these paths are without significant challenges, but through skilled strategy and mutually beneficial relations, the GCC states may become a major part of Britain’s relations with the wider world.