Storytelling in Today’s Saudi Arabia
The drama series “Al-Asouf” vividly captures the trend of telling Saudi stories with Saudi actors and its power in shaping the public’s perceptions and aspirations.
Arts and Culture
Ramadan Messaging and the Winds of Change
The Ramadan series "Al-Asouf" folds seamlessly into the current mainstream Saudi media narrative, as the country focuses on developing its homegrown industries and nationalist rhetoric.
Transforming Riyadh: A New Urban Paradigm?
Through a series of megaprojects aimed at beautifying the city, Riyadh has the potential to offer a unique model of urbanity that can be a counterpoint to the more speculative trends pervasive in the region.
Economy
Iran’s Economic Resistance Buckling under U.S. Maximum Pressure
The Iranian government has been constantly seeking strategies to circumvent U.S. sanctions, but these efforts have not led to a sustainable and secure solution.
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.
The Manama Workshop and the Course of Normalization in the Gulf
The “Peace to Prosperity” workshop in Bahrain may have been less about Palestinian prosperity and more about drawing Arab, especially Gulf, countries into the Middle East peace process – and into deeper normalization with Israel.
Energy
Oil Producers Formalize Alliance and Prepare to Stare Down Shale Oil
OPEC appears to be stuck in a vicious cycle of cutting production only to see its share of the market filled by the United States and other, higher-cost producers that are not bound by the production restraints of the OPEC+ agreement.
Iraq Looks Forward to Energy Independence
Iraq aims to grow its oil and gas production capacity to meet its domestic needs, but this will take time, a commodity the country can ill afford.
Oil Market Shrugs Off Attacks on Oil Tankers
The oil market has had a somewhat muted reaction to recent attacks on oil tankers, appearing to have set aside concerns about the diplomatic storm brewing in the Middle East and instead focusing on the latest oil demand projections.
Environment
Climate Change and Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia: Integrity, Challenges, and Opportunities
While Saudi Arabia’s long involvement in global climate change negotiations has attracted mounting attention, little is known about the kingdom’s climate change governance at the domestic level or its progress in terms of addressing climate change in line with economic diversification.
Burning the Midnight Oil to Keep the Lights On
The Gulf is extremely vulnerable to climate change and the clock is ticking to keep the lights and air conditioners on without causing harm to their already fragile environment.
BP Flags the Role of New Energy Kids on the Block
The energy system is undergoing a radical shift away from fossil fuels in a world where oil is no longer king. However, to meet demand growth, oil and gas will remain key components of the energy mix for decades to come.
Politics and Governance
Gulf Arab States Don’t Want a U.S.-Iranian War, and Could Help Avoid One
Caught in the crossfire already, Gulf Arab countries have an important opportunity to help shape the off-ramp from confrontation.
International and Internal U.S. Debates Refocus Spotlight on Yemen’s Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Yemen is inching toward the center of important debates for the United States, but international attention is unlikely to have any material impact on the conduct of the war.
The Political Ramifications of the Gulf’s Digital Transformation
Gulf Arab states are striving to become tech-driven, knowledge economies, but the digital path ahead is bound to be bumpy.
Security
Is Sudan’s Transition Over Before It Began?
Stability, the nature of the state and its relationship to its citizens, the economy, and the role of political Islam are foundational to the discussions, inside and outside Sudan, concerning the country's transition.
New Opportunities and High Stakes for Gulf-South Asia Relations
The strategic implications of interregional engagement between the Gulf and South Asia are becoming clearer and more pronounced.
Emergency Weapons Sales Drag Gulf Arab Countries Deeper into U.S. Politics
Gulf countries are getting what they want from the White House, but ties with other parts of the U.S. establishment are fraying.
Society
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.
Differences of Opinion? Saudi Op-eds and Confrontation with Iran
Amid recent tensions in the Gulf, a broad view of Saudi commentary reveals a range of articles that have emphasized deterrence and international action against Iran rather than an open use of force.
Saudi Arabia’s New Security State Reflected in Treatment and Trial of Women Activists
The case of the detained women activists in Saudi Arabia illustrates shifting power dynamics in the kingdom as King Salman has centralized control in the hands of the crown prince, complicating an already fraught political environment for intellectuals and activists.
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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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