Portrayals and Perspectives: The Representation of Gulf States in American Political Cartoons from Early Relations to 2020

Abstract

This dissertation explores the evolving portrayal of Gulf States in American political cartoons from the early twentieth century through 2020. Drawing on a dataset of 724 cartoons by 220 American cartoonists, the study analyzes how visual satire has shaped and reflected public understanding of the Arabian Gulf region. Grounded in stereotyping theory, the research identifies recurring themes such as oil wealth, violence, terrorism, backwardness, betrayal, and cultural otherness. Through decade-by-decade analysis, it traces how global events—from the Cold War and oil embargoes to the Gulf War, 9/11, and the Arab Spring—intensified or shifted visual narratives surrounding Gulf States. Cartoons were sourced from newspapers, magazines, anthologies, and digital archives, then categorized by theme and analyzed for symbolism, caricature, and political context. The study shows how American cartoonists often used exaggerated features and symbolic elements to reinforce Orientalist stereotypes and to comment on U.S. foreign policy, media narratives, and Western anxieties. Unlike broader studies that conflate the Gulf with the wider Arab or Muslim world, this dissertation focuses specifically on Gulf States to uncover targeted portrayals and region-specific messages. The findings reveal a persistent pattern of dehumanization, ridicule, and cultural reductionism across eight decades of American media. By documenting these visual patterns, the dissertation highlights the long-standing role of political cartoons in shaping collective perspectives and urges greater media literacy and responsible visual storytelling that challenges reductive representations and fosters intercultural understanding.