Li-Chen Sim
Assistant Professor, Khalifa University; Non-Resident Scholar, Middle East Institute
Li-Chen Sim is an assistant professor at Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi and a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute. Sim is a specialist in the political economy of Russian and Gulf energy (oil, gas, renewables, nuclear) and its intersection with international relations. Her interests include the politics of renewable and nuclear energy in the Middle East, Gulf- Asia exchanges, Russia-China relations in the Middle East, and Russia-Gulf interactions.
Her most recently published books include Low Carbon Energy in the Middle East and North Africa (Palgrave 2021) and External Powers and the Gulf Monarchies (Routledge, 2018). Her articles have appeared in leading academic journals such as Russian Review, Cambridge Review of International Affairs, and Energy Research & Social Science; on forums hosted by the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington and Harvard University’s Belfer Center; and in popular media like the South China Morning Post and Al-Monitor.
She is active on the speaking circuit, having been a guest at Chatham House, the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, Gulf Intelligence, the National Defense College of the United Arab Emirates, and New York University Abu Dhabi, among others.
Analysis
What the Ukraine Crisis Means for Gulf Economies
While the Gulf Arab states may wish to avoid getting caught in the middle of a “Russia versus the West” conflict, the Ukraine crisis is already affecting the region’s tourism, food, energy, and other economic sectors.
Nuclear Power in the Middle East: The Politics of Stakeholder Coalitions
The creation and management of domestic and external stakeholder coalitions is intrinsic to a sustained commitment to nuclear energy in the UAE.
Russian-Saudi Breakup May Not End in Divorce
Russia may be able to withstand more pain from the collapse in oil prices than other producers, but cooperation in global energy markets is only one pillar of Russian-Gulf ties.
Putin’s Visit to the Gulf Puts Growing Russian Influence on Display
The pageantry that greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reflects the “quantum leap” in relations since his last state visit.
Russia and the Gulf States: Pragmatic Energy Partners
The Gulf states have ceased to perceive Russia purely as an adversary; today Moscow is regarded as a reliable international partner but also a competitor.
Events
Oct 17, 2024
Oil Prices Between Regional Conflict and the U.S. Presidential Election
On October 17, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the implications of regional conflict and the U.S. presidential election on oil prices.
Speakers
Feb 9, 2023
Book Talk – Asian Perceptions of Gulf Security
On February 9, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Asia's role and interests in the Gulf's evolving regional framework.
Speakers
Aug 4, 2022
How Has the Invasion of Ukraine Reshaped Russia’s Influence in the Middle East?
On August 4, AGSIW, the University of Haifa, and the National Security Studies Center hosted a discussion examining Gulf-Russia relations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Speakers
May 19, 2021
The Future of Renewable and Low Carbon Energy in the Middle East and North Africa
On May 19, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the transition to renewable and low carbon energy in the Middle East and North Africa.
Speakers
