The Gulf

As many of the Arab Gulf states make strides to reduce their dependence on oil and implement social and economic reforms, they continue to face political and security challenges from external and internal threats. The Gulf states must respond to evolving external relationships, threats from Iran, terrorism, and civil conflict spillover while also harnessing the powers of technological advances and innovative reforms to modernize their economies. A new generation of leadership must adapt to a booming, educated, and globally-connected youth population, often unemployed and increasingly raising concerns about the rule of law and their role as citizens.

Featured commentary & analysis


Counterterrorism Study Group

The Counterterrorism Study Group is a forum for former counterterrorism officials to review the latest threats, to understand emerging trends and future predictions, and to explore creative new proposals for improving the effectiveness of current policies and operations.


Podcast series

Listen to the latest episode of the China-MENA podcast, featuring conversations with academics, government leaders, and the policy community on China’s role in the Middle East.


Gulf Security Task Force

The Gulf Security Task Force is revisiting the question of how to best protect US interests in this sensitive, always relevant region. Our goal is to provide US decision-makers with an updated, fact-based strategy for protecting US interests in the air and maritime domain from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and ensuring Gulf partners’ ability to assume this responsibility, with the assistance and leadership of the United States.

Content

In the News

Jul 16, 2024

Webster quoted in Recharge on Chinese wind turbine factory in Saudi Arabia

China Geopolitics & Energy Security

MENASource

Jul 16, 2024

What’s behind the Middle East’s doomsday fever?

By Sarah Zaaimi

Doomsday sects should be understood as a social phenomenon in the context of a collectively traumatized society.

Arabic English

In the News

Jun 28, 2024

Plitsas quoted in CheckYourFact on Houthis claiming to hit US warships

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Security & Defense

In the News

Jun 28, 2024

Panikoff quoted in The Jerusalem Post on Israeli-Saudi normalization as part of a US defense treaty

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Israel

In the News

Jun 28, 2024

Panikoff quoted in The Wall Street Journal on US defense treaty with Saudi Arabia and Israeli normalization

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Israel

In the News

Jun 21, 2024

Tran cited by Business Insider on Saudi Arabia petrodollar alternatives

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia Trade and tariffs

Econographics

Jun 20, 2024

Is the end of the petrodollar near? 

By Hung Tran

Saudi Arabia approaches the petrodollar remains an important harbinger of the financial future to come.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

TURKEYSource

Jun 18, 2024

Turkey signed two major deals with Somalia. Will it be able to implement them?

By Kiran Baez

Turkey will face major challenges from both external and domestic pressure in implementing its hydrocarbons and maritime security deals.

East Africa Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jun 17, 2024

Tran, Matthews, and CBDC Tracker cited by YouTube video on Saudi Arabia mBridge membership

Watch the full video here.

China Digital Currencies

IranSource

Jun 12, 2024

Will Bahrain and Iran turn a new page? There’s been talk of it.

By Giorgio Cafiero

For Bahrain, which takes its foreign policy directives from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, following in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi’s footsteps vis-à-vis the Islamic Republic is logical.

Conflict Iran

Experts