Navigating asymmetry in the Indian Ocean region: Oman in the US-India-China strategic triangle

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the options available to small states in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) in an era of great power competition, using the case of Oman’s engagement with the strategic triangle of the United States, India, and China. Motivated primarily by concerns at the domestic and regional levels, Omani decision makers perceive good relations with each of the three powers to be important in addressing their most pressing concerns and have therefore avoided balancing or bandwagoning behavior. Instead, Oman has followed an omni-enmeshment approach whereby it uses these extra-regional relationships as a means of supporting their preferences for regional order while at the same time addressing domestic pressures.