The Obstacles to Getting to “Yes” With Iran
The ongoing negotiation process between the United States and Iran will be complex and volatile – while some of the most central issues might be soluble, sanctions issues might prove intractable.
Politics and Governance
Redlines and Realpolitik: Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Test Ahead of Trump’s Visit
Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia has the potential not only to reinforce the deep-rooted U.S.-Saudi alliance but also to expose the fault lines that could undermine future cooperation.
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.
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
Gulf Economies and the Tariff Storm
Trump’s tariff agenda may complicate Gulf governments’ capabilities to advance key policy initiatives and strategic economic partnerships, including Gulf investments in the United States.
Public-Private Partnerships Becoming the It Couple for Gulf Infrastructure Development
Successful public-private partnerships could help Gulf Arab states improve infrastructure without further burdening state resources.
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.
Energy
Trade Tensions and Tariffs: IEA, EIA, and OPEC Slash Global Oil Demand Forecasts
Global demand forecasts by leading agencies have diverged sharply, reflecting a deepening sense of uncertainty about the future path of the global economy.
Iran Eyes Russian Gas
Proposed Russian investments may come in handy as Iran attempts to develop its gas infrastructure, but international sanctions and geopolitics pose major problems.
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.
Environment
Rethinking Gulf Water Security
True water security in the Gulf involves finding a balance between water security and tradeoffs with other goals.
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.
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
Rahina: A Jeweler’s Ode to Dhofari Heritage
Through Rahina, Fatma al-Najjar is exploring her Dhofari heritage and tapping into ancestral memories, one piece of jewelry at a time.
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.
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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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