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
Syria Escapes Iran War, Can It Benefit From It?
Syria hopes to use the Iran war to deepen its connection to its Gulf Arab partners. Can it compete for inclusion within the regional security order and emerging trade corridors?
The United States Plus: Gulf States Contemplate Regional Security After Iran War
The imperative for Gulf states to unify their position has grown since the onset of Iranian attacks on their countries. Yet under conditions of uncertainty about the U.S. position and the war's outcome, Gulf states are demonstrating differing regional alignments and preferences for managing the crisis.
Gulf States Play Defense
Caught between Iranian strikes and U.S.-Israeli pressure to join the fight, Gulf Arab states strive to maintain their autonomy over decision making, playing defense and preserving the space to maneuver when the war ends.
Iran War: Gulf Unity, Economic Shocks, and Regime Scenarios
After a massive U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, AGSI explores scenarios for the future of Iran and implications for broader Gulf security.
16 min read
Four Priorities for Mohammed bin Salman in Washington
When the Saudi crown prince meets President Trump in Washington, the main topics of discussion are likely to be commercial deals, a defense pact, a Saudi civilian nuclear program, and normalization with Israel.
10 min read
Culture in the Saudi National Zeitgeist
Saudi Arabia’s first Cultural Investment Conference sought to convince domestic and global investors that arts and culture in the kingdom are a value proposition and to entice them to share in this project.
Events
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
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 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
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.
Speakers
Mar 2, 2026
After the Shock: Implications of the U.S.–Israeli Strikes and Iran’s Leadership Transition
On March 2, AGSI hosted a discussion on the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Speakers
Jan 8, 2026
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.
Speakers
