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Journal of Arabian Studies 5.1 (June 2015) pp. 67–81
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The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia seem likely to become the first Arab states to develop fully functioning civilian nuclear programmes. Their motivations stem from considerations of prestige and identity, energy concerns, and as an answer to the threat emanating from Iran. This article considers their particular motivations, aims, and obstacles, and the potential, or lack thereof, for a shift from a civilian to a military programme. Although Iran’s nuclear pursuit is probably the primary impetus, it is not the only one, and any conclusion to the Iranian question is not likely to reverse such endeavours.
The opinions expressed in INSS publications are the authors’ alone.
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