AGSI
The Islamic Republic’s Collective Leadership
While there is historical precedent for collective leadership in Iran, today’s leadership includes representatives of the IRGC and regular military – a reflection of the IRGC’s expanding role and the necessities of governing under wartime conditions.
The Trump Presidency, Iran War, and U.S.-Gulf Economic Relationship
The outbreak of the Iran war has halted the deepening of the economic relationship between the United States and the Gulf countries. While likely temporary, it could take some time before the upward trajectory is restored.
How Egypt Became the Middle East’s New Energy Chokepoint
Egypt has become the indispensable transit state linking Saudi Arabia's Red Sea infrastructure with global markets. But that strategic importance may also have exposed it to the same risks facing Gulf producers.
Oman in the War
Oman has benefitted from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, but continued conflict and Oman’s highwire neutrality balancing act mean that the sultanate’s economic windfall is still in danger.
Qatar’s Art Scene Reflects Resilience
Following the high of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, and the low of the ongoing Iran war, Qatar is doubling down on global and regional cultural diplomacy.
Ballad: Moza Almatrooshi’s Homage to the Landscape
Moza Almatrooshi, an Emirati artist and chef, reflects on the inaugural season of ballad, her community culinary initiative.
The Gulf at the Venice Biennale: Cultural Exchange Amid the Shadow of War
Gulf national pavilions at the 61st Venice Biennale seek to uphold local heritage amid regional and global instability.
Jul 14, 2026
Beyond the U.S.-Iran MoU: The Future of the U.S. Security Commitment to the Gulf and the Emerging Regional Security Order
On July 14, an AGSI delegation participated in a joint roundtable hosted by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Jun 25, 2026
Investing in Syria: From Policy Intention to Operational Execution
The Arab Gulf States Institute, Middle East Institute Switzerland, and Università Ca' Foscari co-hosted a roundtable on U.S. investment in Syria.
Book Talk: Iran and the Bomb: The United States, Iran and the Nuclear Question
On June 16, AGSI hosted a discussion on the evolution of Iran's nuclear program.
Speakers
Jun 10, 2026
Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the World Cup
On June 10, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's growing engagement in the global soccer community.
Speakers
Petro Diplomacy 2026: Energy in Crisis: Markets and Geopolitics of Supply
On June 8, AGSI convened its Petro Diplomacy conference for the 12th consecutive year.
Jun 4, 2026
Screening of Iraqi Film “The President’s Cake”
On June 4, AGSI and the National Museum of Asian Art co-hosted a screening of “The President’s Cake.”
Speakers
Jun 4, 2026
Will a U.S.-Iran Deal Bring a New Order for the Gulf?
On June 4, AGSI hosted a discussion on the implications of a potential U.S.-Iranian agreement for Gulf security.
Speakers
May 20, 2026
Toxic Spillover: Conflict and Environmental Risk in the Gulf
On May 20, AGSI hosted a discussion on the environmental impacts of the Iran conflict.
Speakers
May 12, 2026
Book Talk: Realizing Saudi Vision 2030: Governance, Institutions and Human Capital Development
On May 12, AGSI hosted a discussion on the implementation of Vision 2030.
Speakers
May 12, 2026
Iraq in a New Middle East: Government Formation and Regional Challenges
On May 12, AGSI hosted a discussion on the new government in Iraq.
Speakers
Apr 30, 2026
Kuwait Reception
On April 30, AGSI hosted a special reception honoring the diplomats and staff recently evacuated from the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.
Ambassador William Roebuck
Executive Vice President, AGSI
Jul 29, 2026
CNBC: In an interview, Amb. William Roebuck examined Iran’s strategic calculus, analyzing its outreach to key Gulf neighbors, muted response to a U.S. proposal for renewed negotiations, attack on a U.S. military installation following a pause in the fighting, and the unlikelihood that Tehran would negotiate away control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Jul 15, 2026
Al Araby TV: In an interview, Amb. William Roebuck discussed how U.S. domestic opposition to the terms of the MoU and Iranian attacks on shipping in the Gulf undermined the status quo of the previous month, leaving the United States to manage mounting escalation risks without a viable diplomatic off-ramp.
Robert Mogielnicki
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI
Tim Callen
Visiting Fellow, AGSI
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSI
Hussein Ibish
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Kristin Smith Diwan
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Ali Alfoneh
Senior Fellow, AGSI
Abbas Kadhim
Senior Resident Scholar and Director, Iraq Program, AGSI
