The Seas as the Next Frontier: Is Maritime Security in the Gulf a Flashpoint or Starting Point?
On December 4, AGSIW hosts a panel discussion on the issue of maritime security in the Gulf.
Regional Affairs
Petro Diplomacy: Challenges to the Energy Transition in the Gulf Countries
On October 2, AGSIW held its fifth annual Petro Diplomacy conference, exploring what measures the oil-producing states are adopting to manage the global transition to renewables and alternative energy sources and how this will impact demand for oil in the decades ahead.
Putin’s Visit to the Gulf Puts Growing Russian Influence on Display
The pageantry that greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reflects the “quantum leap” in relations since his last state visit.
Bahrain
Bahrain’s Royal Family Adjusts for the Future
The recent elevation of Bahrain’s young prince, Nasser bin Hamad al-Khalifa, to national security advisor is the latest indication of maneuvers to secure the future hierarchy of the monarchy.
Bahrain and Abu Dhabi Compete to be Gulf’s Cryptocurrency Hub
The heightened interest in cryptocurrencies across the Gulf is taking place alongside global efforts to both regulate digital assets and attract cryptocurrency firms.
Bahraini Women Make Gains amid Tightening Political Freedom
Since adopting a new constitution in 2001, the government of Bahrain has promoted women’s rights and political participation. However, challenges remain for reaching gender equality in politics, and for creating a more open political space in the kingdom.
Kuwait
Stateless in Kuwait
A proposed new law in Kuwait aims to address the critical issue of the status of biduns, or stateless people.
Mohammad Al-Hussainan: Harnessing Social Media for Charity
Mohammad Al-Hussainan leads a team working to bring a new generation to Kuwait’s long-standing humanitarian legacy, using social media, personal connections, and a compelling narrative.
Kuwait’s Energy Industry Suffering from Ministerial Musical Chairs
Kuwait is struggling to increase oil production capacity. To put the country on a path toward a more sustainable energy future, Kuwait needs stability between its two branches of government and continuity in the energy sector.
Oman
Oman: A Small Oil Player with Big Ambitions
With a stable political regime, strategic location, and attractive commercial terms, Oman has managed to raise oil production to record levels and draw in foreign oil majors.
Challenges to Maximizing Renewables in Oman's Energy Mix
For the Gulf Arab states, renewables could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting economic goals of meeting increasing domestic energy demand and creating jobs.
Fiscal and Security Pressures Highlight, and Threaten, Oman’s Unique Position in the Region
As fiscal constraints increase, tensions in the Gulf rise, and uncertainties surrounding political transition loom, Oman’s role in the Gulf Arab region could come under pressure.
Qatar
Year-on-Year Deficits Brewing in Gulf Economies
More spending, low growth, and recurring deficits are not a recipe for long-term economic sustainability, but this concoction may be a necessary pill for Gulf states to swallow as the hard work of economic reform sets in.
Qatar Balances Fraught Regionalism Against Uncertain Globalization
In order to remain a relevant actor in the global economic order, Qatar has established a middle ground between the trends of regionalism and globalization through a strategic strengthening of bilateral partnerships.
Petro Diplomacy: Back to the Future – Oil and Gas at the Center of New Growth in the GCC
On October 18, 2018, the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington convened its fourth annual Petro Diplomacy conference, “Back to the Future – Oil and Gas at the Center of New Growth in the GCC States.”
Saudi Arabia
An Assessment of U.S.-Saudi Relations with HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud provided his perspective on U.S.-Saudi relations and domestic and regional challenges facing the kingdom’s leadership.
Saudi-India Ties: Looking Beyond the Bilateral
Saudi Arabia and India are strengthening their strategic partnership, but their ties involve the interplay of other countries.
Expectation Gap Clouds Saudi Arabia’s Investment Climate
Global investors’ interest in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic transformation hinges on their ability to secure lucrative commercial opportunities in the country.
United Arab Emirates
UAE Security Forum 2019: Reshaping the Future of the Horn of Africa
For the fourth consecutive year, AGSIW will convene the UAE Security Forum, where U.S., UAE, and regional partners will gather to find creative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.
Roundtable with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment
Ahead of his participation at the United Nations 2019 Climate Action Summit, Al Zeyoudi discussed the various climate challenges facing the UAE and the region.
UAE Outreach to Iran Cracks Open the Door to Dialogue
While the Emiratis have their own reasons for outreach to Tehran, Washington and Riyadh may find it useful as well.
Iran
Iran’s Imperial Overreach
As anti-government protests spread like wildfire threatening the Islamic Republic’s allies and proxies, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei faces a dilemma: use Iran’s scarce resources to stabilize regional protests or leave them to their own devices and risk a fight with the IRGC.
Iran May Pay To Play in Crypto Amid Sanctions, Financial Tensions
Cryptocurrency activity is unlikely to offer the Iranian regime an immediate avenue for evading crippling U.S. sanctions.
With Heightened Tensions in the Gulf, Iran Seeks Its Own Partners
Announcing planned naval exercises with Russia and China, Tehran is demonstrating that it is cautiously choosing its actions in its ongoing feud with Washington and Riyadh.
Yemen
Saudi-Brokered Deal Defuses Tensions in Yemen’s South, but Security Challenges Linger
The Saudi-brokered bargain, referred to as the Riyadh agreement, is a significant breakthrough that, if successful, will prevent the fragmentation of the country and avert a new civil war.
Yemen at a Crossroads: Are New Conflict Dynamics Reshaping the Country’s Future?
AGSIW hosted a discussion on recent developments in Yemen's war and issues central to the future of the country.
A Fractious Unity: Conflict Dynamics in Yemen’s South
Rising tensions in Yemen’s South are rooted in long-held Southern grievances and a desire for autonomy.
Support Us
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.
Learn More