Kristin Smith Diwan is a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute. Her current projects concern generational change, nationalism, and the evolution of Islamism in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Her analysis of Gulf affairs has appeared in many publications, among them Foreign Affairs, Financial Times, and The Washington Post.
Diwan was previously an assistant professor at the American University School of International Service and has held visiting scholar positions at the George Washington University and Georgetown University. From 2013-14 she served as a visiting senior fellow at the Atlantic Council where she published on youth movements and participated in the Strategic Dialogue for a New US-Gulf Partnership.
Diwan received her PhD from Harvard University and holds an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. She completed her undergraduate degree at Baylor University in Texas, her home state.
Analysis
An Apology and New Security Guarantees for Qatar
An apology from Israel’s prime minister – delivered under the watchful eye of President Trump in the Oval Office – and a written promise of a U.S. response if Qatar is attacked go a long way toward restoring Qatar's deterrence and bolstering its security and stability following the Israeli attack.
Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar
AGSI outlines the wide implications of Israel’s attack targeting Hamas in Doha for the Gulf and U.S. policy in the region.
11 min read
Saudi Campaign for Palestinian State Recognition
A shift in Saudi priorities away from normalizing ties with Israel and toward building international recognition for a Palestinian state has succeeded, as Western states pledge support among mounting outrage over famine in Gaza.
The Gulf Bystanders
The Gulf Arab states, literally in the middle of the exchange of airstrikes between Israel and Iran, have a lot on the line.
Iran Is Attacked, the Gulf Reacts
AGSI explains what Israel’s sudden and massive attack on Iran is likely to mean for Gulf Arab states, Iran, the United States, and global and regional economies.
34 min read
A Path to a Stronger United States in the Gulf
AGSI offers pragmatic, targeted policy recommendations for the Trump administration to maximize U.S. political and economic influence with the crucial emerging regional powers in the Gulf.
20 min read
Events
Sep 17, 2025
Recognition, Annexation, and the Future of the Abraham Accords
On September 17, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi and French efforts to revive the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Speakers
Jun 23, 2025
U.S. Strike on Iran: Regional and Diplomatic Fallout
On June 23, AGSI hosted a discussion on the United States' attack on Iranian nuclear sites.
Speakers
Assessing Iranian, U.S., and Gulf Reactions and Options Following Israel’s Unprecedented Attack on Iran
On June 16, AGSI hosted a discussion on Israel's attack on Iran.
Speakers
Jun 3, 2025
A Conversation With Ambassador Claire Le Flécher
On June 3, AGSI hosted a conversation with Ambassador Claire Le Flécher, the former French ambassador to Kuwait.
Speakers
May 27, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ambitions: Diversification and Sustainability?
On May 27, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's investment in sports.
Speakers
Exploring Oman’s History, Culture, and Cuisine: A Conversation With Chef Dina Macki
In her latest book, Bahari, meaning “ocean” in Swahili, chef Dina Macki embarks on a culinary exploration of the rich flavors and history of Omani cuisine, a food culture shaped by boundless coastlines and complex maritime history, with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal. An Omani Zanzibari chef who...
Speakers
