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AGSI

The Gulf’s Return to Lebanon?

A new government and the movement to disarm a weakened Hezbollah are increasing Gulf states’ trust in Lebanon, but Gulf-Lebanese rapprochement is not yet right around the corner.

Paul Shaya

13 min read

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accompanies Lebanese President Joseph Aoun upon his arrival to the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 3. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)

Recasting Syria After Assad: Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a Gulf-Led Regional Order

Saudi Arabia’s early, front-loaded engagement in Syria is part of a preemptive strategy to shape conditions before rival actors can fill the vacuum.

John Calabrese

14 min read

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 29. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS)

Friends in Need: Morocco’s Gen Z Protests and the GCC Response

Morocco’s protests prompted gestures of support from GCC states, representing a fresh reminder of a long history of supporting each other in times of need.

9 min read

Protesters demonstrate in Casablanca, Morocco, October 2. (REUTERS/Stringer)

The New South Yemen

The Southern Transitional Council is betting that if the South can be united under its leadership it can cordon the South off from the Houthis in the North, utilize oil and gas revenue, and create a stable and functioning state.

Soldiers loyal to Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council stand guard outside the compound of the presidential palace in Aden, Yemen December 9. (REUTERS/Fawaz Salman)

Outlook 2026: Prospects and Priorities for U.S.-Gulf Relations in the Year Ahead

On January 8, AGSI will host a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they look ahead and assess trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as part of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York, September 24. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, Pool)

Beyond the End of The Line: Rethinking Saudi Arabia’s Urban Future

The announced curtailing of The Line megaproject is an inflection point that will continue to influence Saudi Arabia as it keeps building for the future.

President Donald J. Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman look at a model of a city under construction, May 13, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Narrative Lens: Remaking Space and Photographic Possibilities

On December 18, AGSI hosted a unique event to close the exhibition “Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene.”

dome of the stars (2012). (Credit: Mohammed Alkouh)

Jan 8, 2026

10:00am - 11:30am

Outlook 2026: Prospects and Priorities for U.S.-Gulf Relations in the Year Ahead

On January 8, AGSI will host a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they look ahead and assess trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year. 

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as part of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York, September 24. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, Pool)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as part of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York, September 24. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, Pool)

Dec 18, 2025

Narrative Lens: Remaking Space and Photographic Possibilities

On December 18, AGSI hosted a unique event to close the exhibition “Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene.”

dome of the stars (2012). (Credit: Mohammed Alkouh)
"Dome of the Stars" (2012). (Credit: Mohammed Alkouh)

Dec 15, 2025

Looking to 2026: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges in the GCC

On December 15, AGSI hosted a discussion on the future of Gulf economies.

Delegates visit Saudi Arabia's pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 29.(AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Delegates visit Saudi Arabia's pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 29. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Dec 4, 2025

A Pivotal Visit: Takeaways From Mohammed bin Salman’s Visit to Washington

On December 4, AGSI hosted a discussion on the outcomes of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the United States.

President Donald J. Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, Nov. 18, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald J. Trump welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, Nov. 18, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Nov 17, 2025

Book Launch: Qatar and the United Arab Emirates: Diverging Paths to Regional and Global Power

On November 17, AGSI hosted a discussion on Qatar's and the United Arab Emirates' paths to prominence in the Middle East and beyond.

The Qatari and Emirati flags. (Shutterstock)
The Qatari and Emirati flags. (Shutterstock)

Nov 12, 2025

The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the Crown Prince’s Washington Visit

On November 12, AGSI hosted a discussion about the U.S.-Saudi partnership ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a welcoming ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)
President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a welcoming ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)

Nov 4, 2025

After the Cease-Fire: The Regional Component of the Future of Gaza

On November 4, AGSI and ROPES co-hosted a discussion about regional dynamics after the recent Israel-Hamas cease-fire.

President Donald J. Trump and other leaders gather for a photo during a summit to support ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough cease-fire deal, October 13, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)
President Donald J. Trump and other leaders gather for a photo during a summit to support ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough cease-fire deal, October 13, in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)

Oct 30, 2025

AGSI Student Open House and Reception

On October 30, AGSI hosted a student open house and reception featuring the exhibit “Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene.”

Hassan Meer, Wedding Memories 1 (2011)
Hassan Meer, "Wedding Memories 1" (2011)

Oct 21, 2025

Book Launch: A Political Economy of Sovereign Wealth Funds in the Middle East and Asia

On October 21, AGSI hosted a discussion on the strategic economic significance of sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East-Asia investment corridor.

From left to right: U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Martina Strong, President Donald J. Trump, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and ADIA Managing Director Hamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan participate in a business roundtable at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
From left to right: U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Martina Strong, President Donald J. Trump, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and ADIA Managing Director Hamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan participate in a business roundtable at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Oct 20, 2025

Unpacking the Saudi-Pakistani Mutual Defense Agreement

On October 20, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi-Pakistani defense ties.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 17. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 17. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS)

Oct 15, 2025

A Conversation With His Excellency Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi

On October 15, AGSI hosted a conversation with H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 

The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the Crown Prince’s Washington Visit