Analysis
View AllSyria is the Answer
When regional actors or great powers ask these days what determines the success or failure of their strategies in the region, they are increasingly discovering that developments in Syria heavily shape the outcome.
The Geopolitics of Reviving the Hejaz Railway
The revived Hejaz Railway could become one of the region’s most significant transportation and integration projects as a land route connecting Europe to the Gulf.
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.
Lingering Vulnerabilities: Bahrain’s Political Economy and the Iran War
Despite the massive disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, how Bahraini policymakers address structural vulnerabilities moving forward will be the critical determinant of the country’s longer-term economic outlook.
9 min read
Jun 30, 2026
Iran’s New Doctrine: A Forever War in the Strait of Hormuz
The June 30 edition of the Iran Media Review considers an Iranian argument that only deterrence, not diplomacy, can influence U.S. behavior.
Jun 26, 2026
IRGC Seeks to Institutionalize Control Over the Strait of Hormuz
The June 26 edition of the Iran Media Review examines IRGC messaging about travel through the Strait of Hormuz.
Jun 24, 2026
A Consensus Emerges in Tehran on U.S.-Iran Negotiations
The June 24 edition of the Iran Media Review considers Iranian media responses to ongoing U.S.-Iranian negotiations.
Jun 18, 2026
Regime Surveys Show Erosion of Social Capital
The June 18 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights Iranian messaging about Iran’s military strength and societal polarization.
May 6, 2026
Spending Surge Puts Saudi Budget in Large First Quarter Deficit
The Saudi budget recorded a large deficit in the first quarter of 2026 as spending surged, but higher oil revenue during the rest of the year should limit the size of the annual fiscal deficit.
May 5, 2026
Gulf PMIs Raise Specter of Stagflation
Business conditions in the Gulf generally improved in April, but they remained weaker than before the Iran war. There are signs that price pressures are increasing as the conflict impedes trade.
The Iran War and the Saudi Economy
Data shows that the Saudi economy is being negatively affected by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, and the impact will likely continue for the next few months at least.
Apr 2, 2026
Saudi Equities Outperform Global Markets
Saudi equity prices have risen since the start of the Iran conflict, outperforming many regional and global markets. Whether this continues will depend on how and when the conflict ends.
Ammar Alsabban: Superman With a Saudi Accent
With passions as diverse as puppetry, podcasting, and superheroes, Ammar Alsabban is redefining the creative limits of Saudi identity.
Rahina: A Jeweler’s Ode to Dhofari Heritage
Through Rahina, Fatma al-Najjar is exploring her Dhofari heritage and tapping into ancestral memories, one piece of jewelry at a time.
10 min read
Independent Researchers Are Advancing UAE History on Social Media
Independent researchers and informal collaboratives have been connecting through social media to fill in gaps in popular knowledge of the United Arab Emirates’ pre-state era.
Manama Story: Preserving the Soul of the City
The Manama Story project seeks to preserve the history of the Bahraini city, one archive at a time.
A New Gulf Partnership
In May, President Donald J. Trump embarked on a trip to the Gulf that signals a new era in U.S.-Gulf relations. AGSI's A New Gulf Partnership series explores the ways U.S. strategic relations with these countries are evolving and offers policy recommendations for the U.S. administration to maximize political and economic influence.
Nov 13, 2024
Energy and Climate Initiative
AGSIW’s Energy and Climate Initiative explores Gulf energy and climate policies, technological advances, and pressing political, social, and environmental issues ahead of COP28.
Nov 5, 2024
U.S. Presidential Election
AGSIW’s U.S. Presidential Election series explores Gulf perspectives on the 2024 election and considers how the election results may shape the future of U.S. engagement in the Gulf region.
Sep 6, 2024
Trees of the Gulf
This series looks at the vital role certain trees play in the region's collective memory, survival, and plans for the future.
All Analysis
Syria is the Answer
When regional actors or great powers ask these days what determines the success or failure of their strategies in the region, they are increasingly discovering that developments in Syria heavily shape the outcome.
The Geopolitics of Reviving the Hejaz Railway
The revived Hejaz Railway could become one of the region’s most significant transportation and integration projects as a land route connecting Europe to the Gulf.
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.
Lingering Vulnerabilities: Bahrain’s Political Economy and the Iran War
Despite the massive disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, how Bahraini policymakers address structural vulnerabilities moving forward will be the critical determinant of the country’s longer-term economic outlook.
9 min read
The Houthi Balancing Act
Houthi threats to block commercial shipping in the Red Sea that have not materialized are part of a strategy to balance competing interests.
Will Pakistan’s Balancing Strategy Crumble?
The Saudi-Pakistani defense pact has been tested with the Iran war, as Pakistan seeks to maintain the fragile status quo in the neighborhood.
