How Russia's Middle East Strategy Threatens Gulf Security
Even if the Ukraine war comes to an end, the implications of Russia’s partnerships with Iran and the Houthis will last, and the consequences will be felt, first and foremost, in the Gulf.
Regional Affairs
The Reach of the GCC’s Booming Renewables Sector Exceeds Grasp
Exports of power from the Gulf’s thriving renewables and battery sector could become a key driver of the economy, but restrained grid interconnectivity with neighbors limits any breakthrough.
Oil Prices and Gulf Economic Policymaking
The oil price environment remains manageable but looks increasingly uncomfortable for some Gulf states.
Bahrain
Manama Story: Preserving the Soul of the City
The Manama Story project seeks to preserve the history of the Bahraini city, one archive at a time.
Fablemill: Bringing Stories From the Region to Life
Through Fablemill, Eman Alsabah and her team are creating content that celebrates the region’s diverse stories and speaks to a global audience.
The Bahraini Economy Might Benefit From Trump’s Tariffs
Bahrain’s free trade agreement with the United States might give Manama a golden opportunity to attract foreign capital and produce a diverse range of merchandise exports.
Kuwait
Briefing for Kuwaiti Diplomats
On November 22, AGSIW hosted a briefing for a delegation of Kuwaiti diplomats.
Kuwait’s Big New Offshore Oil Find
Can the offshore Al-Nokhatha discovery help Kuwait’s oil and gas investments sail ahead?
With New Crown Prince Kuwait Bucks Gulf Succession Trends
The emir’s naming of Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah – a noncontroversial politician and an experienced diplomat – as crown prince may help traverse Kuwait’s fissures, but there is still a long road ahead.
Oman
Exploring Oman’s History, Culture, and Cuisine: A Conversation With Chef Dina Macki
On March 26, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the history of Omani cuisine.
Oman’s Bid to Attract Investment
As Oman pursues its Vision 2040 reform agenda, many opportunities could stem from closer economic and long-term alignment with neighbors and other major trading partners.
Militarized Nationalism: Oman’s Military Discipline Program
Oman’s Military Discipline Program uses military codes to promote top-down objectives, such as strengthening social cohesion, responsibility, and a sense of national belonging among young Omanis.
Qatar
Qatar's Adroit Post-October 7 Diplomacy
Qatar appears to have turned a serious potential liability, its long-standing support for Hamas, into diplomatic advantage.
The End of Hamas in Doha?
Where Hamas operates from matters less than the broader absence of any coherent vision – from Israel, the Palestinians, or the international community – for future Arab leadership in Gaza.
No Low-Hanging Fruit to Help Qatar With Its Food Security Challenges
Qatar is working to boost local food production while coping with daunting obstacles, including falling aquifer levels, a paucity of arable land, and broader climate-change issues.
Saudi Arabia
And All That Is In Between: Centering Community at the Islamic Arts Biennale
Contemporary commissions at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 highlight young creatives from the region and beyond underscoring community, care, and spirituality.
Diriyah Art Futures Reflects Growing Saudi Investment in Digital Art
Part of the $62 billion Diriyah gigaproject, the new Diriyah Art Futures institute expands the genre of digital art.
Discovering New Gold: Culture and the Future of Saudi-U.S. Relations
With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s bold blueprint for the future, culture is being elevated as a fundamental pillar of the Saudi-U.S. alliance.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s Humanitarian Aid Agenda
The use of pragmatic humanitarianism allows the UAE to advocate for strategies that reduce human suffering while also serving its national security interests.
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial Boosts Arts Accessibility
The increasing investment into public art shows a commitment by Abu Dhabi to expand access to the city’s cultural offerings.
Book Talk: The Development of An Art History in the UAE
On December 3, AGSIW hosted a discussion on contemporary art in the United Arab Emirates.
Iran
Maximum Pressure, Minimum Options: Potential Pathways for Iran
The convergence of internal dysfunction and external pressure has renewed speculation regarding the Iranian regime’s downfall and scenarios for a political transformation.
Russia’s Iran Gambit: Powering Civilian Growth or Fueling Military Expansion?
As Tehran and Moscow deepen their nuclear and space technology collaboration, concerns over dual-use applications and regional security implications grow.
The Decline of Iran’s Proxy Network
The “axis of resistance” that Tehran built has weakened considerably. And Iran is facing a dilemma that is a culmination of a pivotal year of setbacks and miscalculations.
Iraq
BP’s Return to Kirkuk
A new deal between the Iraqi government and BP to develop oil fields in Iraq's most contested province could rekindle a century-old flame between Baghdad and Erbil.
China's Rise in Iraq's Energy Sector: From Newcomer to Dominant Player
While Iraqi leaders consistently emphasize the importance of Western investment in their energy sector, their actions instead are increasing Iraq’s dependence on Chinese markets and oil firms.
The Kurdish View on the U.S. Election
Iraq’s Kurdish population may benefit more from a consistent U.S. foreign policy under Harris than the unpredictability of another Trump term.
Yemen
Betting Big in Yemen
For the Houthis, this is an existential fight. But the United States has a harder path to success.
Yemen’s Weakest Link: The Presidential Leadership Council
To eliminate the Houthis' capabilities, the United States will need the support of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, a body plagued by infighting and incompetence.
From Navigational Disruptors to Ecocriminals: The Environmental Impact of the Houthi Anti-Shipping Campaign in the Red Sea
The Houthi assaults on shipping traffic in the Red Sea are deliberate acts of marine pollution and environmental destruction.
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Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
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