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.
Politics and Governance
Amid Violence, Sanctions, and Negotiations, Syria’s Interim Government Struggles for Control
While recent violence and the failure to get sanctions lifted are huge challenges, the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate into state institutions helps Syria’s beleaguered interim government regain its footing.
Syria After Assad: A Time of Hope and Challenge
Syria’s new leaders will need to evolve again and become a movement that speaks to the aspirations of all the Syrian people and addresses their pressing economic concerns and their need for rebuilt, responsive, representative institutions of governance and security.
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
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.
Sanctions on Syria Prevent Economic Recovery and Rebuilding the Country
For Syria to have a chance at stability, the United States and the EU need to urgently consider lifting the layers of economic sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad and allow Gulf countries to help rebuild the war-torn country.
Energy
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.
For the OPEC+ Oil Producers, a Year of Caution Paid Off
As 2024 comes to a close, oil markets remain under a cloud of uncertainty shaped by geopolitical risks, weaker-than-expected Chinese demand, and an evolving energy transition landscape.
Environment
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?
Trees of the Gulf: The Date Palm and the UAE’s Liwa Dates Festival
Gulf date festivals celebrate heritage and tell the story of tourism, trends, and entrepreneurship.
Society
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.
Khosh Fkra Reshapes Bahrain's Media
Khosh Fkra has grown from a podcast interviewing local business owners to a thriving media agency creating content from Bahrain to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Arts and Culture
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.
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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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