AGSI
Gulf States on the Frontline of U.S.-Iran Volatility
From a Gulf perspective, red lines keep being crossed, and the guardrails for avoiding entanglement in conflict prove unsatisfactory.
How the UAE Became Serbia’s Most Important Arab Partner
Through its increasing ties with Serbia, the UAE has secured a lasting strategic foothold in the Western Balkans, and Serbia has gained an influential Arab partner that is likely to remain central to Belgrade’s multipolar foreign policy calculus.
The Architecture of Iran’s Digital Repression
The Iranian regime’s internet censorship and shutdowns function as comprehensive weapons of political warfare, designed to isolate, demoralize, and ultimately suppress dissent.
Should Saudi Policymakers Be Concerned About Rising Unemployment?
The recent increase in the Saudi unemployment rate is puzzling and may be due to statistical issues with the Labor Force Survey rather than a reflection of economic conditions.
Jan 8, 2026
Outlook 2026: Prospects and Priorities for U.S.-Gulf Relations in the Year Ahead
On January 8, AGSI hosted 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.
Speakers
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.”
Speakers
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.
Speakers
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.
Speakers
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.
Speakers
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.
Speakers
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.
Speakers
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.”
Speakers
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.
Speakers
Oct 20, 2025
Unpacking the Saudi-Pakistani Mutual Defense Agreement
On October 20, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi-Pakistani defense ties.
Speakers
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.
Speakers
Tim Callen
Visiting Fellow, AGSI
Abbas Kadhim
Senior Resident Scholar and Director, Iraq Program, AGSI
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSI
Jan 13, 2026
Politico: Amb. Douglas A. Silliman commented on the risks involved in President Trump’s strategy in dealing with protests in Iran.
Jan 4, 2026
CNBC: In an interview on “Access Middle East,” Amb. Douglas A. Silliman spoke about protests in Iran, the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the new U.S. National Security Strategy, and whether U.S. actions in Venezuela would affect oil markets or worry OPEC and OPEC+ members.
Ambassador William Roebuck
Executive Vice President, AGSI
Jan 13, 2026
Bloomberg TV: In an interview on Horizons Middle East and Africa, Amb. William Roebuck discussed Iran’s protests and the potential U.S. response.
Jan 1, 2026
The National: In an interview on the podcast “Beyond the Headlines,” Amb. William Roebuck discussed U.S. military actions against ISIS in Syria after the mid-December killing of three Americans near Palmyra, the possible impact on U.S. relations with the Ahmed al-Sharaa government, and the threat ISIS will pose in the future.
Kristin Smith Diwan
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Ali Alfoneh
Senior Fellow, AGSI
Hussein Ibish
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Said Bakr
Research Associate, AGSI
Abu Dhabi’s Big Bid on Culture
Alongside its bid to become a regional and global economic powerhouse, the UAE capital is also rising as a new global capital for culture.
Outlook 2026: Prospects and Priorities for U.S.-Gulf Relations in the Year Ahead
On January 8, AGSI hosted 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.
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.
