Supreme Oscillation: Khamenei’s Trump Strategy
Iran’s supreme leader is facing a strategic dilemma in how to pursue diplomacy with the United States and project strength amid internal fracturing and ambiguity.
Politics and Governance
Gulf Mediation in the Ukraine Crisis
The role of Gulf Arab states in Russia-Ukraine mediation reflects their rising global influence and the benefits of hedging and balancing in foreign policy.
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.
Security
Betting Big in Yemen
For the Houthis, this is an existential fight. But the United States has a harder path to success.
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.
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.
Economy
OPEC+ Hikes Output as Trump Tariffs Rattle Global Markets
The concern for Gulf oil producers is that tariffs on major Asian powers could impact their manufacturing sectors and economies and dampen demand for oil.
Oil Prices and Gulf Economic Policymaking
The oil price environment remains manageable but looks increasingly uncomfortable for some Gulf states.
South Asia’s Pivot to the Gulf
Amid economic and political instability, governance crises, and rising security threats, South Asia looks to deepen ties with the Gulf, as it strives to chart a path toward sustained growth.
Energy
Gulf Countries Drive Forward With Electric Vehicles
While the Gulf Arab states are making significant strides toward electrifying transportation and reducing emissions, the journey is fraught with challenges.
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.
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.
Environment
Saudi Arabia’s Water Future: Addressing Scarcity and Ensuring Sustainability
Continuous innovation, efficient institutional coordination, and further international collaboration will be critical to ensuring the kingdom’s water security remains robust in the face of evolving challenges.
Facing the Storm: Gulf States Build Climate Resilience
Gulf governments are working to shift their strategies from natural disaster response to preemptive resilience strategies by identifying and mitigating risks before disasters occur.
Trees of the Gulf: Olive Trees and a Mediterranean Diet in the Desert
Saudi Arabia is challenging the Mediterranean’s 6,000-year hold on olive oil, but is this sustainable?
Society
Independent Researchers Are Advancing UAE History on Social Media
Independent researchers and informal collaboratives have been connecting through social media to fill in gaps in popular knowledge of the United Arab Emirates’ pre-state era.
Saudi World Cup 2034: The Sports-Sustainability Nexus
The influence of oil giant Saudi Aramco across football, Formula 1 racing, and golf reveals how closely Saudi Arabia’s sports policy aligns with its energy transition and sustainability agenda.
Saudi National Day Evolves
Saudi Arabia's 94th National Day reflected a new seriousness in the kingdom, alongside the celebrations.
Arts and Culture
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.
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.
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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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