The Gulf

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

Will US-UK strikes against the Houthis halt their Red Sea aggression?

MENASource May 18, 2026

How Gulf investments are responding to the US-China critical minerals competition

By Chenjie Song and Jonathan Fulton

Gulf sovereign wealth funds are seeking to maximize return on investment while maintaining strategic optionality.
China Critical Minerals
Will US-UK strikes against the Houthis halt their Red Sea aggression?

MENASource Apr 20, 2026

The Iran war has forced the US-Gulf alliance out of the shadows

By Eric Alter

The Iran war is testing whether the informal strategic system the United States has assembled with its Gulf partners and Israel is strong enough to hold up amid a regional conflict.
Defense Policy Iran
Will US-UK strikes against the Houthis halt their Red Sea aggression?

MENASource Apr 20, 2026

‘They have been exposed’: The Iran war upends Gulf states’ security and business model

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

The Iran war threatens the sense of security, prosperity, and opportunity that the Gulf states have spent years cultivating as they seek to diversify their economies away from oil.
Critical Infrastructure Policy Geopolitics & Energy Security

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.

Listen

Programs

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.

EXPLORE THE GULF SECURITY TASK FORCE

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

Fast Thinking

Jan 11, 2024

Will US-UK strikes against the Houthis halt their Red Sea aggression?

By Atlantic Council

Our experts break down the US-UK strikes in Yemen and the prospects for a wider regional war.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 11, 2024

Charai in Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The World in 2024 – Elections and the Demand for American Leadership

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

TURKEYSource

Jan 9, 2024

Can Turkey help resolve the Israel-Hamas war?

By Matthew Bryza

Turkey once offered to secure a role in de-escalating the conflict and in serving as a guarantor of a future ceasefire. Months later, can Turkey still play that role?

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Jan 8, 2024

Tran quoted in TIME on Red Sea shipping disruptions

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

MENASource

Jan 3, 2024

Gulf states are vying for sports fans’ hearts and minds—one sovereign wealth fund at a time

By Joze Pelayo

In 2023, the annual tennis tournament colloquially called the Washington Open was renamed the Mubadala Citi DC Open thanks to a sponsorship from Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company—an unknown name to most Washington sports fans, but one they may see again. The Gulf Arab states have been turning their efforts and attention to Beltway sports amid […]

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

In the News

Dec 20, 2023

Tran cited by Investopedia on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Read the full article here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Tran cited by The Guardian on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Read the full article here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Tran interviewed by the BBC on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Watch the full interview here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Tran cited by Semafor on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Read the full article here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs
Ships on Red Sea

Econographics

Dec 18, 2023

What attacks in the Red Sea could mean for the global economy

By Hung Tran

Recent missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated regional tensions and disrupted global trade. Large shipping companies are now avoiding the route, causing significant costs and delays, which is impacting the the already fragile economy.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Eric Alter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic French

Fellow

Khaled H. Alyemany

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Vladimir Antikarov

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Critical Infrastructure Policy Economy & Business

Fellow

Amir Asmar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Israel

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy
Load More