Muhannad Shono: Creating His Own Saudi Narrative
When Muhannad Shono began his career Saudi's creative economy was not a domain to be celebrated in the kingdom.
Arts and Culture
The Gulf Arab States in Venice: Architecture, Representation, and the Perils of Politics
Five Arab countries are participating in the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale, including, for the first time, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
“Yes We Cannes”: Cinematic Diversification in Saudi Arabia
Ahmad bin Fahd Al-Mezyed, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Culture, used the 2018 Cannes Film Festival as a cinematic backdrop to garner international interest in the Saudi film and television industry.
Economy
The Supply-Side Politics of Kuwait’s Industrial Strategy
Kuwait hopes to usher in a “new industrial era,” but the country will have to pay more attention to demand and regional competition to boost industrial output.
Saudi Arabia Shelves SoftBank Solar Effort, Reflecting Challenges with Megaprojects
Saudi Arabia’s decision to delay a $200 billion solar power project with Japan’s SoftBank casts doubt on the future of the kingdom’s solar energy initiative.
Beyond Energy: The Future of China-GCC Economic Ties
With China’s strong and stable economy and large-scale domestic market, the GCC states are finding a promising opportunity in strengthening economic ties.
Energy
Facing the Dual Challenge of Energy Security and Climate Change: The Oman Example
To meet the dual challenge of energy security and climate change, the Gulf Arab states need a holistic understanding of energy systems when planning an advantageous energy mix.
Iran Sanctions Add Uncertainty to Shaky Oil Market
The U.S. decision to abandon the nuclear deal with Iran is bad news for crude oil importers, good news for exporters, and complicated news for those with more entwined relations with Tehran.
Oil Producers Agree to Increase Supply, for Now
Mana al-Otaiba, former oil minister of the United Arab Emirates, shared a poem with OPEC at its Vienna meeting last week.
Environment
Why Oil- and Gas-Rich Gulf Arab States are Turning to Coal
Burning coal produces almost double the amount of carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels such as diesel or natural gas.
Integrating Climate Change Policies with Economic Diversification Strategies: Challenges and Opportunities in Oman and the UAE
Since the 1930s, the Arab Gulf states have been defined by their hydrocarbon wealth.
Saudi Arabia and Climate Change: From Systematic Obstructionism to Conditional Acceptance
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer, is expected to double its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2014 levels.
Politics and Governance
How the Khashoggi Affair May Affect U.S.-Saudi Relations
The disappearance of the prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi won't completely upend U.S.-Saudi relations but will almost certainly have a significant negative impact on them.
How Iran and the Gulf Arab States Can Start a Dialogue Again
It’s hard to overstate the regional impact of the rivalry between Iran and several Gulf Arab states—most notably Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—bordering in recent years on enmity.
The Curious Case of China’s "Kuwaiti Concession"
The Kuwaiti emir’s visit to China generated intense debate, centered around a rumor about a deal to develop Kuwait’s northern islands, highlighting anxieties about the country’s future.
Security
The Heavy Price of Lebanese Hezbollah’s Military Engagement in Syria
Hezbollah has paid a heavy price to secure the survival of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which also secures Hezbollah’s overland lifeline to Tehran.
Iran’s Support of Iraqi Shia Militias Ensures Dependency and Loyalty
CENTCOM’s release of interrogation reports of Qais al-Khazali and a survey of combat fatalities shed new light on Iran’s relationship with Shia militias in Iraq.
Yemen’s War: No Longer Forgotten, but Still Unresolved
There are signs Yemen's war is no longer "forgotten," but is it any closer to coming to an end?
Society
The Blue Lake Farm: Pioneering Agritourism in the Gulf
AGSIW spoke with Ali al-Awadhi, executive manager of Nabta, to learn about the Blue Lake Farm and agritourism in Kuwait.
Commuting Chaos: Developing Infrastructure for the Future in Kuwait
Starting as a social experiment, Kuwait Commute quickly has become an initiative to encourage Kuwaiti nationals to use public transportation instead of driving.
The Gray Zone of Social Reforms in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government is moving forward steadfastly with its social modernization project, but the new policies are clashing with established norms, creating inconsistencies and uncertainties in social spaces.
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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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