Britain's Middle East policy in the decolonization process

Decolonization, in general terms, is the process by which colonial societies gain their independence from colonial states. The term will first appear between the two world wars and World War II. After World War II, it would have great repercussions all over the world. The process of decolonization will have major consequences, especially for the British Empire, which is defined as the empire on which the sun never sets. In this context, first of all, it is necessary to define the "empire" and analyze what the term covers and what it means. As a matter of fact, the British empire continued its existence in different ways and with different forms of government in different parts of the world. The decolonization process of the British Empire under the colonial administration, which did not have a single characteristic, will also take place in different ways in different regions. The main subject of this study is the decolonization process that took place in the Middle East region, which began to be ruled by the Allied Powers with mandates and patronage after the First World War. The beginning of the process can be traced back to before the First World War. As a matter of fact, the nationalist movement, which is accepted as the main component of the decolonization process, will also emerge in this period. It will continue until the establishment of the Arab League after World War II. Just as decolonization has emerged and developed in different ways in each region of the world, it has also developed in different ways in the Middle East region. Even after the establishment of the Arab League organization, which was established in line with the great desires of the Arab community, in order to be an important actor in regional issues, Britain would continue to exist in the Gulf region until 1972.