Gulf International Forum January Newsletter
Commentary
The Gulf in 2025: Expert Outlook
In their 2025 outlook, the Forum’s experts provide insights into elements that will define the Gulf region’s future. They focus on how Gulf states will maneuver through conflicts, threats, diplomatic engagements, and internal affairs.
Iran Grapples with a New Strategic Reality after Assad’s Ouster
Fuad Shahbazov
With the loss of a key ally in Syria, Tehran’s network of proxies has never appeared so fragile.
Assad is Gone: The GCC’s Role in Shaping Syria’s Future
Anas Alqaed
After the Assad regime’s sudden collapse, the United States and the GCC states must seize the current opportunity to unite and drive a transition in Syria, leveraging their influence to prevent state collapse, promote regional stability, and secure their interests.
The GCC States Must Turn Down the Temperature in the Middle East
Dr. Gawdat Bahgat
The GCC’s strategic diplomacy can reshape Middle East dynamics, balancing regional power and fostering peace amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel under a new U.S. administration.
Green Energy in Uzbekistan: An Opportunity for the Gulf?
Dr. Sergey Sukhankin?
Uzbekistan has expressed interest in a transition away from fossil fuels and towards green energy, and energy companies in the Gulf appear eager to bankroll it.
Russian Support for Yemen’s Houthi Movement
Giorgio Cafiero
While the Russians seek to maintain positive relations with all the major political actors in Yemen, Moscow has been drifting toward the Houthis since the rebel movement’s attacks on commercial shipping.
Iran Grapples with the Collapse of the Shia Crescent
Dr. Umud Shokri
The fall of Assad marks a pivotal blow to Iran’s regional strategy, reshaping its influence in the Middle East.
Sultan Haitham’s Visit to Türkiye: From Low Ties to Strategic Partnership
Hamdullah Baycar
领英推荐
Türkiye’s ties to Oman are relatively muted compared to its other partners in the Gulf, but both countries recognize the upsides to a stronger relationship.
Updates on the Gulf Studies Symposium
Awards
The Gulf Studies Symposium will present several prestigious awards recognizing outstanding scholarly contributions to the Gulf region. The Gulf Studies Journal Article Award celebrates innovative research across all disciplines, advancing the understanding of the Gulf. The Gulf Studies Graduate Paper Award honors exceptional graduate research on the Gulf, including the GCC states, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, encouraging scholarship in various fields. Additionally, we invite nominations for the Gulf Studies Symposium Book Award, which recognizes exceptional scholarly works. Both authors and publishers are eligible to nominate, with no restrictions on the number of submissions per author, though thoughtful and selective nominations are encouraged. Read More
Exhibitors
The Second Gulf Studies Symposium (GSS), held April 11-12, 2025, at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., invites publishers, exhibitors, and book distributors to showcase their work.
Why Exhibit?
Exhibitors will receive prime display spots on Georgetown University’s campus, ensuring high visibility and engagement with students, attendees, and scholars.
New Reports
Art and Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Renaissance in the Era of Vision 2030
Tamara Juburi
Saudi Arabia’s attempts to rebrand its national identity on the global stage and transform its economy follow from the ambitious objectives of the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. Vision 2030 advocates for the Kingdom to develop its creative industries and invest in the infrastructure required to host creatives and industry-wide events at home.?
The Gulf’s Evolving Energy Landscape: Saudi Arabia’s Energy Policy and a Transition to the Post-Oil Era
Sultan Al Rubaei, Gina Bou Serhal, and Serhat S. ?ubuk?uo?lu
The report finds that Vision 2030 is the most systematic response yet to calls for diversification and has been accompanied by cuts in government spending and plans for growth in non-oil sectors. However, the plan will nonetheless be difficult to implement, as it will require deep structural reforms, transparency, job creation in the private sector and balanced regional development. this report offers several policy recommendations to improve Saudi Arabia’s approach to energy transition as part of its Vision 2030 program.
The Russia-Ukraine War and Qatar’s Emerging Energy Role in Europe
Chaouki Ghenai and Eugene Chausovsky
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has radically reshaped global energy markets. Perhaps nowhere can the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war better be seen than in Europe, which has long been dependent on Russia for its reliable supply of natural gas. In the months following the invasion, Qatar has emerged as a significant player in Europe’s energy supply, providing enough liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet the continent’s needs and helping to diversify its energy mix.
? The overthrow of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime has opened the door to new dynamics in the Middle East, with Turkey likely gaining superiority, Iran reeling and, with that, Iraq gaining more freedom from Iranian pressure.