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AGSI

The UAE Splits From OPEC

Abu Dhabi’s departure from OPEC signals that discipline within the group is becoming harder to sustain at a time when the global energy market is facing the prospect of a more volatile and uncertain future.

Kate Dourian

9 min read

United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei attends the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, October 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

The Economic Toll of War on Iran

Billions of dollars in infrastructure destruction from the war, combined with decades of mismanagement, corruption, and international sanctions, has sparked an unprecedented economic crisis in Iran.

Sara Bazoobandi

6 min read

A banner bearing a picture of the late supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is displayed in Tehran Bazaar, amid a cease-fire between United States and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 21. (Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via REUTERS)

Beyond the U.S. Umbrella: Gulf States and the Diversification of Air Defense After Iran

As Iranian strikes exposed structural gaps, Gulf states are expanding their air defense architecture through new suppliers, lower-cost systems, and operational partnerships.

Spectators look at the Cheongung missile (KM-SAM) during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition in Seongnam, South Korea, October 17, 2025. (REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji)

How Did the IRGC Seize Power in Iran?

The IRGC did not seize power in a single stroke. It accumulated it – patiently, methodically – until no counterweight remained.

Ali Alfoneh

7 min read

Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf looks on as members of Parliament chant in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran, Iran, February 1. (Hamed Malekpour/Islamic consultative assembly news agency/WANA/Handout via REUTERS)

May 12, 2026

10:00am - 11:30am

Book Talk: Realizing Saudi Vision 2030: Governance, Institutions and Human Capital Development

On May 12, AGSI will host a discussion on the implementation of Vision 2030.

Register
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2025. (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed) (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2025. (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed) (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)

Apr 21, 2026

Inside Iran’s Wartime Leadership: Power, Succession, and Regime Stability

On April 21, AGSI hosted a discussion on the evolution of Iran's leadership during the war.

In this photo released by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, center right, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, center left, are greeted by Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, right, and Army Chief Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, left, upon their arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, April 11. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)
In this photo released by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, Iranian Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, center right, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, center left, are greeted by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, right, and Army Chief Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, left, upon their arrival at Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, April 11. (Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)

Apr 15, 2026

Iran at the Intersection: Conflict, Technology, and Digital Control

On  April 15, AGSI hosted a private workshop on understanding how the dynamics of Iran's defense technology, information control, and geopolitical competition connect, led by Visiting Scholar Sara Bazoobandi.

Sara Bazoobandi

Apr 14, 2026

Planning for Postwar Recovery: Economic Outlooks and Policy Responses for the GCC

On April 14, AGSI hosted a discussion on how the Gulf Arab states can transition from crisis management to position themselves for sustainable postconflict growth.

The facade of a building in Dubai's financial district is seen partially damaged in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, March 13. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
The facade of a building in Dubai's financial district is seen partially damaged in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, March 13. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Apr 13, 2026

Assessing the U.S.-Iranian Truce and First Round of Negotiations

On April 13, AGSI hosted a discussion on the recently announced U.S.-Iranian two-week cease-fire.

The main entrance of Pakistan's foreign ministry in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 9. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
The main entrance of Pakistan's Foreign Ministry in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 9. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Apr 8, 2026

What Do Houthi Attacks on Israel Mean for the Iran War?

On April 8, AGSI hosted a discussion on the Houthis' involvement in the Iran war.

Houthi supporters raise posters of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as they chant slogans against Israel and the United States during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, March 1. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)
Houthi supporters raise posters of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as they chant slogans against Israel and the United States during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, March 1. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)

Mar 31, 2026

Book Talk: West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East

On March 31, AGSI hosted a discussion on the Middle East's integration with Asia.

Vehicle wait at a traffic signal with Burj Khalifa in the background in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)
Vehicles wait at a traffic signal with Burj Khalifa in the background in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)

Mar 25, 2026

UAE Space Ambitions: Building the Space Industrial Base

On March 25, AGSI hosted a discussion on UAE space development.

Orbitworks office. (Credit: Raymond Karam)
Orbitworks office. (Credit: Raymond Karam)

Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 1, 2026

The Gulf States’ Perspective on the War With Iran, and Where Does Lebanon Fit In?

On March 24 and April 1, AGSI hosted briefings for European diplomats during which AGSI scholars analyzed the Gulf states’ reactions to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and the Iranian response.

(Credit: AGSI)

Mar 18, 2026

In Its Conflict With the United States and Israel, Does Escalation Favor Iran?

On March 18, AGSI hosted a discussion on the escalation of the Iran war.

Firefighters try to extinguish flames at the site of a direct hit by an Iranian missile strike in Holon, central Israel, March 13,. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Firefighters try to extinguish flames at the site of a direct hit by an Iranian missile strike in Holon, central Israel, March 13. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Mar 17, 2026

Investing Through Uncertainty: Capital, Technology, and the Future of Gulf Markets

On March 17, AGSI hosted a discussion on Gulf economic advancement.

Light traffic moves along a main road in downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 7. (AP Photo/ Fatima Shbair)
Light traffic moves along a main road in downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 7. (AP Photo/ Fatima Shbair)

Beyond the Cube: Rethinking Urban Ambition in Riyadh

If the first phase of Vision 2030 was designed to capture imagination and reposition the kingdom globally, the next phase may focus on livability and affordability.

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.

Zayed National Museum. (Credit: Zayed National Museum)

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. 

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)

Planning for Postwar Recovery: Economic Outlooks and Policy Responses for the GCC