The internal dimension at each site involves the impact of transnational forces and interactions on notions of exclusivity and affiliation, citizenship and self-definition. To examine the transformations currently at work we shall focus on manipulation of kinship ties, manufacture of national history, public ritual and representations of state and non-state actors in the context of outside contacts. Particular attention will be paid to the symbolism of regional meetings and initiatives. Particular attention will be paid to the rhetoric of local heritage, to media and communications and to exclusive marriage laws. As the largest and most powerful of the GCC states Saudi Arabia's perceptions of its neighbours and their wider connections are of particular importance.
Historical divisions related to Indian Ocean trade are important.
Lebanon is again becoming the locale for GCC secondary residence. In each year a small workshop will be held to which selected non-academics from government and business will be invited, ideas will be sharpened with their help and preliminary results disseminated. The opportunity to think about EU-GCC relations and their ramifications in wider context may be useful even to existing experts. Experienced journalists with an established interest in the Middle East are another constituency to draw upon. New York University Press Buell, Frederick.